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UNCP today : for alumni and friends of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke

UNCP today : for alumni and friends of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke

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Summer
2010UNCP Today
Summer 2010
Editor
Amber Rach
News Writer
Scott Bigelow
Art Director
R. Jerrod Hatfield ‘06
Web Publisher
Lawrence Locklear ‘05
Photographers
Bobby Ayers
Raul Rubiera
Class Notes
James Bass ‘94, ‘03
Vice Chancellor, University and
Community Relations
Glen G. Burnette Jr., Ed.D. ‘80, ‘87
UNCP Today magazine is published three times
a year for alumni and friends of the University
by the Division for University and Community
Relations. UNCP is a constituent institution of
the University of North Carolina.
Editorial Offices
UNCP Today
University and Community Relations
P.O. Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
tel: (910) 521-6249
email: relations@uncp.edu
web: www.uncp.edu/relations
Class Notes
Office of Alumni Relations
P.O. Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
tel: (910) 521-6533
email: alumni@uncp.edu
Web: www.uncp.edu/alumni
UNCP Web Site
www.uncp.edu
Chancellor
Kyle R. Carter
Board of Trustees
Freda Porter ‘78
Chair
Breeden Blackwell ‘68
Robin Cummings
Arlinda Locklear
Donna Lowry
Thomas Nance ‘69
Raymond Pennington
Lorna Ricotta ‘01, ‘08
Newy Scruggs ‘94
Dick Taylor
Alan Thompson ‘85
Paul Willoughby ‘74
Rigoberto “Arjay”
Quizon
On The Cover
Chancellor
Kyle R. Carter
page 4
3 University News
18 Faculty/Staff News
24 Athletics
28 Advancement
32 Alumni News
36 Class Notes
Inside
Chancellor’s Welcome
It is an honor to offer greetings to our alumni and friends from
the pages of UNCP Today.
I would like to thank all the good people on campus and in
the community who have graciously welcomed Sarah and me to
Pembroke. In the next few months, I hope to meet many more of
you. This is an institution with many wonderful friends, and I am
eager to hear your stories.
It has been a smooth transition to Pembroke. I have Dr. Charles
Jenkins to thank for his excellent work as interim chancellor during
2009-10 and for his help in the transition. His assistance has been
invaluable, and he has played yet another important role in the
history of the University.
My election as chancellor was a wonderful day for me and for my family. I was attracted to
UNCP initially by the genuineness of the search committee, who made Pembroke’s story very
real and exciting. Like any great story, I hope to spend time listening and learning from the
Pembroke story.
This is an institution with a unique and remarkable history. For more than 123 years, the
University has served this community as an engine of opportunity. I promise that will not change
during my tenure.
I will need the assistance of the entire Pembroke community to chart the future course of the
University. I pledge, first and foremost, to honor and preserve the essential values of the past.
Change has become a way of life here during the last decade, and the demands of the future are
pressing. Because of growth on Ft. Bragg and pending federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, it
appears the future is bright for the region and the University that serves it.
Looking into the not too distant future, two new construction projects are poised to break
ground. A new residence hall is always welcome news because it improves the quality of
student life. A new allied health building will be home to our nursing programs. It will also be
home to new programs that will contribute to building a healthier community.
Uplifting the region’s health, education and welfare is an important mission for the
University. Many powerful tools and connections are in place to make this a reality. The
most important thing we can do to help our region is to continue becoming the best regional
university that we can be.
With the start of the fall semester a short time away, I am getting excited to see the faces of
our students. Classrooms, sidewalks and sporting events full of students are satisfying sights.
There is so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to. I look forward, especially,
to seeing our alumni and friends throughout the year. Please enjoy this publication and stay
connected to your University.
Sincerely,
Chancellor
2 UNCP Today Summer 2010
University News
Senior mass communication major Jenna Walters was
crowned Miss UNCP 2010 in front of an enthusiastic audience of
1,000 in the Givens Performing Arts Center.
Walters represented the University at the Miss North Carolina
Pageant in June.
From Raeford, N.C., Walters bested five contestants to win the
Miss UNC Pembroke Scholarship Pageant. For the winner, the
title brings nearly $5,000 in scholarships and prizes.
For Walters, it was her second trip to the Miss North Carolina
Pageant. As Miss Fayetteville, she competed in 2007.
The 58th annual pageant sported the theme, “I Am What I
Am,” and was a night of star-studded entertainment. Reigning
Miss North Carolina Katherine Southard and Miss North Carolina
2000 Lorna Ricotta served as Mistresses of Ceremonies and
performed.
Miss UNCP 2009, Katy Helen Locklear, also performed
the pageant theme song and delivered the traditional farewell
address. Locklear will be remembered as a popular and hard-working
queen, who made more than 100 appearances as an
ambassador of the University.
Walters set the bar high during the talent portion of the
contest when she lit up the audience with a rendition of “Brave.”
Walters’ platform is HEARTStrings: Helping Educate and Reach
through Song.
“I help children express themselves through music,” she said
during the on-stage interview. “I start with their feelings and
senses, then we express it with music and song.”
First Runner-up was Arlene Grady of Spring Hope, N.C.;
Second Runner-up was Ashton Young of Garner, N.C.; and Third
Runner-up was Kelsey Cummings of Pembroke. Each contestant
was awarded a scholarship.
Grady also won the Miss Congeniality Award and Walters
won the Jessica Reed Family Community Service Scholarship.
Ashton Young won the new Scholastic Achievement Award for
the contestant with the highest grade point average.
The talent competition showed off the diverse talents of the
six contestants. Cummings played a piano rendition of a Chopin
piece and Chelsea Collier of Fayetteville, N.C., played the violin.
Mary Ann McGirt of Laurinburg, N.C., and Young clogged.
Clogging may evoke traditional mountain folklore but this pair
took the art form to an all new level in the 21st century.
In the audience were approximately two dozen other queens
and princesses who participated in the pageant. Also attending
was Alan Clouse, executive director of the Miss North Carolina
Pageant.
In an interview following the event, Walters said she will
“work harder and practice my poise and elegance. I’m ready to
go back in the spotlight.”
Jenna Walters crowned 2010 Miss UNCP
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 3
Miss
UNCP
2010
Jenna Walters, Miss UNCP, with
2009 winner Katie Locklear, right
In Durham, N.C., on April 9, the UNC Board of Governors
unanimously approved Dr. Kyle R. Carter as the University’s fifth
chancellor. This followed more than a year of searching for a new
leader after the appointment of Dr. Charles R. Jenkins as interim
chancellor.
An Atlanta, Ga., native and 62, Chancellor Carter comes to
Pembroke from Western Carolina University (WCU) where he
was provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, a
post he had held since 2004.
Dr. Carter’s tenure in Pembroke began on July 1. He arrived
with outstanding credentials, brilliant recommendations and
high expectations, and he immediately began the process of
introducing himself and his family to the community.
Hailed by UNC President Bowles as a “strong, effective and
experienced leader for UNC Pembroke,” Chancellor Carter is a
35-year veteran of higher education. He has experience in North
Carolina, the UNC system and with regional universities in rural
communities like Pembroke.
After earning a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in
educational psychology, Dr. Carter began his career on the
faculty of Valdosta State College.
In 22 years at Northern Colorado University, he earned faculty
tenure, the rank of full professor, and ended his career there as
associate vice president for Research and Graduate Studies and
dean of the graduate school.
Before coming to North Carolina as Western Carolina’s first
provost, he served the University of Central Missouri as provost
and vice president for academic affairs.
When introducing Dr. Carter, Dr. Freda Porter ‘78, chair of
both the Chancellor Search Committee and the Board of Trustees,
said he is a “dynamic leader with a searing vision for UNCP.”
In recommending Dr. Carter to the Board of Governors,
President Bowles said “Kyle Carter brings to the task more
than three decades of academic and leadership experience at
respected public universities, including one of our own UNC
institutions. At each step along the way, he has proven himself to
be an engaged and effective leader who promotes collaboration
and strategic thinking, academic excellence and student
success. He has also earned a reputation for great integrity,
sound judgment and an unwavering commitment to community
engagement and outreach.
“I am convinced that Kyle Carter brings the right mix of
experience, skills, and passion needed to be a truly great
chancellor for UNC Pembroke, and I am thrilled that he has
agreed to join our leadership team,” Bowles concluded.
In her remarks to the Board of Governors in Durham and later
at a reception in Pembroke, Dr. Porter praised the 16-member
search committee for its work over nine months.
Dr. Porter invoked UNCP’s proud 123-year history, saying Dr.
Carter is a leader who will continue to “foster UNCP’s unique
cultural diversity and the vision of the founders.”
“Today marks the beginning of a new era,” Dr. Porter said.
“We believe that we have in Dr. Carter a leader with integrity
who will advocate for the community and engage in significant
outreach.”
FIRST WORDS
Then, it was Chancellor Carter’s turn. He spoke to the Board
of Governors and at a press conference. Then, he traveled to
UNCP
4 UNCP Today Summer 2010
welcomes a
new leader
Chancellor Carter and wife Sarah at Lumbee Homecoming
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 5
Pembroke for meetings with key leaders,
a community-wide reception, a press
conference and dinner with executive
staff.
After thanking the Board of Governors,
Dr. Carter said it was “a great day in
my life and the life of my family. I am
absolutely thrilled by this appointment.
“I pledge to you that your decision
will be rewarded,” he continued. “I was
drawn to Pembroke initially by the search
committee, which made Pembroke’s story
a compelling one.
“UNC Pembroke is an institution with
a rich history,” Dr. Carter said. “For more
than 123 years, the University has served a
very diverse citizenry.
“I will invite the entire Pembroke
community to help chart the future course
of the University,” he said.
In the press conference that followed,
Dr. Carter started the conversation.
“I have had a great deal of experience
in dealing with change,” he said. “Base
realignment on Ft. Bragg and pending
federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe will
bring growth to the entire region.
“I am a good listener,” Dr. Carter
continued. “I am adaptable. If the course
I’ve set is not the right one, I am willing to
change.”
Dr. Carter introduced his family in
Durham and later in Pembroke. He and his
wife, Sarah, who is a former elementary
school teacher, have two children. Travis is
at the University of Chicago doing post-doctoral
work after earning a Ph.D. in
social psychology from Cornell University.
Heather, who was in attendance, works for
the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta
and is working on a doctorate in nutrition
at the University of Georgia.
Chancellor Carter has experience
working with American Indians. On the
list of people he met Friday was Lumbee
Tribal Chair Purnell Swett.
At WCU, Dr. Carter supervised
the Cherokee Task Force to promote
collaboration between the university
and tribe. One of those collaborations
included Wake Forest University in a
Cultural Health Care Initiative for rural
healthcare providers.
The chancellor has also been active
in the communities where he worked.
He volunteered with a variety of service
organizations including Upward Bound,
Q: You have worked as faculty and administration with several
regional universities. And, you have served as provost at two
institutions. How did those experiences prepare you for UNCP?
A: After working at four “AASCU institutions” (AASCU stands for the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities) for more
than 35 years as a faculty member and administrator, I have come to
realize that all state institutions are confronted with very similar issues.
However, each state institution deals with a different set of issues at
any particular time because of local circumstances and their own
development as an institution. So, my experiences elsewhere should
transfer smoothly to UNCP. However, I know and respect UNCP’s
wonderfully unique heritage and service to its region, and I don’t
assume that the solution I applied elsewhere is the right one for UNCP.
Q: What is the role of a regional university? And, can UNCP serve its
region more effectively in the future?
A: AASCU institutions were created by and for a region to educate the
local citizenry so they could improve their own condition. When taken
collectively, educated citizens create a more prosperous region. The
mission of regional institutions today remains the same as their historic
purpose, yet the role and scope has expanded. UNCP was founded
as a normal school to train American Indian teachers. Over the years,
the normal school transitioned to become UNCP, a regional university
that offers a large array of programs important to the region, and it now
serves all North Carolinians regardless of race within the region and
beyond. However, its link to its historic past remains a core value, and
its basic mission remains the same: educate the citizenry to improve
individual lives and the economic condition of the region it serves.
As UNCP looks toward the future, it will continue its original purpose,
providing academic programs important to the region, and it will
continue to offer itself as both a resource to the region and as a
convener of key constituencies to address regional needs. Although
universities aren’t specifically designed to resolve social and economic
issues of a region, they can provide intellectual capital and settings
where key stakeholders and decision makers can gather to address
problems. I anticipate UNCP’s outreach will increase in the region
by continuing to develop partnerships with local county and city
governments to address regional issues like capitalizing on economic
development with the BRAC corridor, achieving federal recognition for
the Lumbee Tribe and reducing the dropout rate in the public schools,
to mention just a few.
Q: Western Carolina University lists 120 programs among its
offerings, many more than UNCP. Do you foresee adding programs
and do you have any in mind?
A: As our involvement in the region grows, UNCP will add additional
programs to serve regional needs. That is inevitable. I don’t have
specific programs in mind, but we will regularly evaluate the region’s
needs to drive the University’s program creation.
QandAuensstwioenrss
(continued on page 6)
(continued on page 6)
6 UNCP Today Summer 2010
United Way and Habitat for Humanity, as
well as youth sports, Boy Scouts, Rotary
and school booster clubs.
He is also an experienced fundraiser.
Working with Northern Colorado’s first
capital campaign, he helped raise $11.5
million. At Central Missouri, Dr. Carter
worked closely with a $21 million
Campaign for Students. At WCU, he was a
member of the executive leadership team
for the successful $51.8 million capital
campaign that ended in October 2009.
IN PEMBROKE
In front of about 400 faculty, staff,
student and community guests at a late
afternoon reception at UNCP, it got more
personal for Chancellor Carter.
“I will spend the next several months
learning more about UNCP,” Dr. Carter
said. “I will rely on Chancellor Jenkins to
assist me in this transition.
“You don’t know me yet, but we will
get to know each other better over time,”
he promised.
Q: Our biggest challenge – improving
retention and graduation rates – is the
same one that plagues almost all regional
universities. How will we improve outcomes?
A: That is a very big and complex question!
If the answer were simple, someone would
have already addressed the problem. However,
former Chancellor Jenkins started a process
to address these issues last spring when he
presented a 25-point plan to the Board of
Trustees. His plan is an excellent start. What
I learned from my experience at WCU—we
worked on the same issue for the last three
years—is that improving retention and
graduation rates isn’t related to one or two
issues but depends upon improving multiple
routine practices and services. You have to
continue to do a lot of little things well over
a period of time before you see results. So,
universities must make sure that all of their
student services (e.g. advising, financial aid,
early alert systems for students in academic
trouble, tutoring, etc.) are working well. We
must make sure that faculty are focused on
student success, i.e. challenging students but
also providing the means for them to meet
expected outcomes. Finally, we must make
sure we recruit the right students, those who
are capable of success at UNCP, and they must
understand the type of experience that awaits
them when they arrive on campus.
Q: In a conversation, you mentioned
“branding” of a university in terms a little
different than the conventional marketing
concept we are familiar with. Can you explain
more?
A: Sure. Branding is the set of messages that an
organization uses to communicate its purpose,
values, and defining characteristics. All
members of the organization must understand
the brand and communicate consistent
messages to its target audiences. Branding is
extremely important to any organization and
relates to the last point I made in the previous
question: “We must make sure we recruit
the right students.” Let me illustrate my point
this way. A couple wishes to celebrate their
anniversary in a nice, quiet restaurant with
an intimate atmosphere. They also have a
few other criteria: white tablecloths, candle
light, healthy international cuisine, and a
good wine list. They find an ad for “European
Bistro” that advertises the following: Enjoy
unique international dishes in an intimate
setting suited to celebrating your special event.
Our complete wine list will complement
any meal. They decide to try it. Much to
their disappointment, the restaurant is noisy,
crowded and bright. The menu is limited with
mostly American dishes. And the wine list has
a limited selection of wines. The couple is very
disappointed and decides they will never come
back! Why? Because the advertising didn’t
truly represent the experience. Universities run
the same risk. If the actual experience doesn’t
match the brand promise (i.e. how universities
describe themselves when they recruit),
students will be disappointed and leave. So,
it is important to accurately portray UNCP
to potential students. When you do so, those
students who enroll have experiences that fit
what they expect to encounter. So, they are a
good fit for the institution and will persist until
graduation.
Q: At the town hall meeting in April, you said
that finding the right provost is of paramount
importance. What special qualities will you
look for in our next academic chief?
A: We’re in the process of developing a
complete job description for UNCP’s provost
position and have created a Web page to
keep people informed about the process of
the search. You might want to review the page
(www.uncp.edu/provostsearch/) to get a more
complete understanding of the importance
of the position as well as the attributes that
person must possess. However, I will give you
a couple of qualities that I consider absolutely
essential:
In a PowerPoint presentation, Dr.
Carter introduced his wife, who he met
at freshman orientation in college, his
children and family pet. He listed the five
reasons why he and his family wanted to
be a part of the Pembroke community.
On the list was: a beautiful campus;
people who care about their University;
diversity, which he said is “an asset of
limitless value;” the University’s mission to
uplift people’s lives in the region; and the
opportunity to share in UNCP’s future.
“What are we going to become?” he
asked. “We will chart that course together.
“The thing I will never change is the
history and culture of this University,” Dr.
Carter said.
Chancellor Carter met with
representatives of The Pine Needle and
WNCP-TV following the reception. He
revealed even more about himself and
how he will lead.
To a question about athletics and
UNCP’s new football team, Chancellor
Carter revealed that he is a sports fan.
QandAuensstwioenrss
(continued)
Chancellor Carter speaks to the Board
of Governors following his election.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 7
The Provost must:
• Be an academic leader who will advance
and expand the University’s academic
mission.
• Be capable of galvanizing the faculty to
initiate change to support and promote
higher levels of academic excellence.
• Be an individual who recognizes and
embraces the role of an engaged
comprehensive regional institution
as a catalyst for change and improvement
in the region it serves.
• Be committed to working within a policy
environment characterized by transparency
and integrity.
• Embrace diversity as a core value and
understand the role UNCP’s history has on
its institutional character.
Q: You have said you are a sports fan. Are
there additional opportunities for UNCP in
athletics?
A: Yes, I am a sports fan. I have been very
impressed with the success UNCP has had
in a variety of sports. A priority for UNCP
Athletics is to have all of our teams be part
of a conference. Dan Kenney and I have had
preliminary conversations about the need for
adding conference affiliation for football. We
are currently playing as a NCAA Division II
independent in football, and I look forward to
learning Pete Shinnick’s perspective. In regard
to other opportunities for UNCP, it is too early
for me to know. I need to learn more from
the coaches and students before I broach that
topic.
Q: You have met the Lumbee Tribal Chairman
Purnell Swett ‘57. What have you learned so
far about the tribe and its relationship with
UNCP?
A: First, I would like to comment on my
meeting with Chairman Swett. After I was
named Chancellor-Elect, I made a conscious
decision to meet with Mr. Swett before I
stepped on the UNCP campus. That meeting
was intended to do two things: (1) demonstrate
my respect for the Lumbee Tribe and the role
it has played in the history of UNCP, and (2)
begin a relationship with the Tribe through the
Chairman that will benefit both the Tribe and
UNCP. I found Mr. Swett to be very gracious
and forthcoming. I look forward to getting to
know him better and working with him in the
future. By the way, Mr. Swett is also a graduate
of Western Carolina. So, we have already
discovered common ground. Regarding what
I have learned about the Tribe...I have learned
that the relationship is deep and complex and
of great importance to both the University
and the Tribe. Whenever we can, Sarah and I
add to our knowledge about the culture and
significance of the Tribe to the University. For
example, we went to a Pow Wow in April
and Dr. Mary Ann Jacobs, Chair and Assistant
Professor of American Indian Studies, and her
student assistant, Sunshine Costanza, provided
an orientation for us. We have visited Mr. Curt
Locklear a couple of times in his True Value
store and listened to him recount important
events in his life as a citizen of Pembroke and
as a former student of Pembroke State College
for Indians. We have talked to people in Linda’s
and Sheff’s restaurants, about their University
and their hopes for the future. We know we
have a lot more to learn about the Lumbee and
their relationship to the University, but one
thing is very clear: The Lumbee have great
pride in UNCP and are fiercely loyal to its
mission.
Q: What will be the impact of federal
recognition of the Lumbees on the region and
on UNCP?
A: I don’t think anyone can fully understand
the impact of federal recognition. However,
it will be huge. First and foremost, it would
provide the Lumbee Tribe their rightful place
at the national table on issues of Indian affairs.
This intangible outcome may far exceed the
“I am not only a sports fan, but a
frustrated athlete with more than a few
broken bones to show for it,” he said. “I
will attend sporting events and not only
the major sports.”
To a question about growth and
construction, Chancellor Carter said
“UNC Pembroke is going to grow.”
“The corridor between Fayetteville
and Lumberton is growing,” he said.
“Construction is a positive sign, and
Pembroke is fortunate to get a new
nursing/health professions building and a
residence hall.”
To a question about support for the
arts, Chancellor Carter said the arts
are important to a University and the
surrounding community.
“Cultural entertainment is a sign of
vitality,” he said. “It adds to the student
experience. There are lots of reasons to
support the arts.”
Local and regional newspaper reporters
worked the crowd Friday afternoon and
the response to the new chancellor was
very positive.
Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Tony
Curtis told The Robesonian that he is
“impressed.”
“When he talks to you, you can tell
he’s through and through an academic
person, and the faculty love it,” Dr. Curtis
said.
Pine Needle Editor Wade Allen said
Chancellor Carter appears “goal driven.”
“He kept talking about gearing up for the
future, while retaining the past,” Allen
said.
Student Government President Arjay
Quizon, who was also on the Chancellor
Search Committee, described meeting Dr.
Carter to The Robesonian.
“On paper, he is very impressive,”
Quizon said. “You would think this guy is
too good to be true, but when you meet
him, he lives up to the expectation.
“He is very humble,” Quizon said.
“Hopefully, he’ll stick around for a very
long time.”
Staff Council Chair Andrea Branch
Chancellor Carter and his wife Sarah,
greeting at the Pembroke reception
following his election
(continued on page 8)
(continued on page 8)
tangible benefits of recognition. When federal
recognition happens, UNCP will feel the same
pride because the American Indian identity
runs deep in the historical roots of UNCP’s
history. Federal recognition would have a huge
economic impact on the region because the
Tribe would be eligible for federal programs
for education, health services, housing and
economic development. Pembroke and
Robeson County, in particular, but other
adjacent counties as well, would experience
the economic benefits. There would also be
more jobs as the Tribe expands its programs
and services. More jobs mean more spendable
income that would stimulate the creation
of more amenities for people in the region.
Within five years of recognition, the area
around UNCP could have more commerce and
housing. This fact alone would help UNCP as it
recruits new faculty and staff to the University.
I would love to see people begin to refer to
Pembroke as a university town where people
choose to live, work and play.
Q: You have said you are a good listener.
How do you describe your management and
decision-making style?
A: I use a team approach to manage an
organization. I work with a team to establish
priorities and then I charge them to lead and
manage their areas consistent with those
priorities. I strive for consensus, but don’t
believe in endless debates. I listen to the team’s
advice and counsel, make a decision, and
move on. I expect team members to operate
independently within the policy framework,
style and values that mark my administration.
A policy environment assures fairness and
consistency. It also promotes transparency and
accountability. I believe both are core values
of any successful organization that depends
upon shared governance and collegiality.
Similarly, open communication is another
trait that characterizes healthy organizations.
That is why I use town hall meetings to discuss
important issues with the campus. Finally, as
my administration puts plans into place, we
will monitor progress, seek feedback from the
campus, and deal with problems as they arise.
Our focus will always be on implementation,
assessment, and improvement.
Q: On a more personal note, what do you do
when you’re not on duty as chancellor?
A: Home renovation projects or working in
the yard are high on the list. I guess I am a
handyman of sorts and enjoy working with
my hands. Now that I live in the Chancellor’s
Residence, I don’t have that opportunity.
When Sarah and I take some vacation time
and visit our Sylva home in the mountains,
I’ll find something in the house and yard that
needs fixing. Sarah and I also like to travel with
friends and family. We especially enjoy Napa
Valley, Aruba or a cruise in the Caribbean.
Our best times are always with family. We try
to find times where we can get together either
at their homes or in our mountain home. We
cook together, play some golf, and usually
play cards or a cut-throat version of Mexican
Train dominoes. I also like to hike and fish—
especially for trout.
Q: What are some favorite books? What will
you read this summer?
A: I read a lot of different fiction, but my
main criterion is that it be a good story. If
inventoried, my reading list would be slanted
toward mysteries and spy novels. My favorite
authors are David Baldacci, Ken Follet, Nelson
DeMille, Frederick Forsyth, Daniel Silva, Tom
Clancy, Robert Ludlum, James Clavell, Michael
Crichton, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Lord
Jeffrey Archer. My all time favorite books are
“Pillars of the Earth,” “World without End,”
“The Power of One,” and “Shogun,” “The Lord
of the Rings” trilogy, the Harry Potter novels,
and Jimmy Carter’s “An Hour Before Daylight,”
the one non-fiction in the list.
QandAuensstwioenrss
(continued)
8 UNCP Today Summer 2010
spoke with The Fayetteville Observer after
a meeting with the Chancellor.
“He said he is here to learn, and I think
that is absolutely awesome,” Branch said.
“He hasn’t come here with a to-do list; he
has come with a clean slate.”
Maxine Locklear Amos, a community
member with historic ties to the University,
told The Robesonian she thinks Chancellor
Carter brings a good balance.
“I’m impressed that he doesn’t want
to forget the historical background of the
school,” Amos said. “He said he wants to
chart the future together.”
TOWN HALL
Before taking command on July 1,
Dr. Carter came to campus on several
occasions including a University-wide
town hall meeting on April 28. Early that
morning Kyle and Sarah Carter, dressed
less formally, took a walking tour of
campus.
“You will not see my car parked in
the reserved space outside Lumbee Hall
unless I have to leave campus that day,” he
said. “I will walk to work.”
Chancellor Carter met with
approximately 200 faculty, staff and
students.
The purpose of the event was to set
a course for the future of the University
and meet its new leader. Chancellor-elect
Carter outlined the search for a new
provost who will become the University’s
academic chief.
“A town hall meeting is the common
way I will bring issues to you,” he said
at the start. “Please ask questions and
make comments. Our success hinges on
understanding what the expectations are.”
Chancellor Carter made a point about
At the press conference in Durham with Dr. Porter and former Chancellor Jenkins
Right now, I am reading “Term Limits” by Vince
Flynn. As Chancellor, my reading of fiction
has slowed down, replaced by technical and
research reports on the University, higher
education and organizations and people who
have relationships with the University. Yet, I
end most evenings by reading a little before
ending the day.
Q: Your children are very successful. Heather
is working on a Ph.D. and Travis recently
earned his doctorate from Cornell University.
What is the secret of a successful family?
A: Sarah and I are very proud of our children
and are thankful for their success. We’ve
been fortunate that they have been great
people throughout their lives. Even during
the turbulent pre-teen and early teen years,
Heather and Travis were great. I don’t know
what made them turn out so well, but suspect
it had to do with a couple of things. Both Sarah
and I are educators and modeled success
and an achievement orientation. Sarah and
I were always a part of their lives, but never
tried to push or pry. We supported them in
whatever they wanted to do and cheered
them on in every activity from little league
baseball, softball, soccer, science fairs, plays,
and volleyball. We always made a point to
be there for them, celebrated their success,
and supported them when they lost or didn’t
perform well. I am very proud of the fact that
I never missed a single performance, match,
or game while Heather and Travis were in
high school. It took some juggling of my
schedule, but I was always able to manage.
Sarah and I continue to make family a priority
and make sure we are present during our
children’s special celebrations. Last, and
probably most important, I attribute their
success to the foundation Sarah provided our
children before they went to school. When
Heather was born, Sarah took time out from
teaching elementary school to become a
stay-at-home mom. She provided a nurturing
and supportive environment for Heather and
Travis for their first five years—before going
to kindergarten. When I came home in the
evening, I would often find Sarah reading to
Heather and Travis and find freshly baked
cookies in the kitchen that the three of them
had baked during the day. I don’t think you
can overestimate the importance of providing
a nurturing environment to children. We were
fortunate that Sarah could stay home. Other
working parents find other ways to create that
environment. The key is to make your children
a priority and support and nurture them.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 9
the balance between growth and retention
perfectly clear.
“We need to stop talking about
retention and start talking about success,”
he said. “We are going to grow. We will
not grow under my watch just for the sake
of growth, but incremental, purposeful
growth.”
He described his “style and
expectations.” Dr. Carter outlined several
key principals of leadership, including the
“select don’t settle” principles.
“Many times we settle for someone
rather than select the right person because
there is a fear of losing that position in the
budget,” the chancellor-elect said. “You
will not lose a position if you can’t find the
right person.”
Then, there are “high expectations.”
“I want to raise expectations for the
University and transfer that idea to our
students,” he said.
The “Nike rule” followed. “Just do it,”
he said regarding decision making.
The chancellor-elect said his
administration will be characterized by
transparency.
“Transparency builds trust and
ultimately leads to better decisions, Dr.
Carter said. “I will build an environment
built on honesty and integrity.”
PROVOST SEARCH
The search for a new provost will
be “open” and transparent, he said.
Chancellor Carter expects to have a new
provost by February 2011.
“Provost is a very important position
whose role is to advance the academic
mission of the University,” he said.
“The provost is first among equals who
will support and collaborate with the
vice chancellors to promote the entire
institution.”
A provost at UNCP should be visible,
embrace diversity and the University’s
core values, work with alumni and
the foundation as well as serve as the
academic leader, Dr. Carter said.
“This person should be someone who
matches my style and works well with all
the vice chancellors,” he said.
A broad-based search committee
will be formed by the start of the fall
semester. It will include faculty, staff
and community members. It will be an
“open search.”
In conclusion, the chancellor said
“we will do this again.”
Chancellor Carter speaks at town hall.
The past and future came together on
May 8, during Commencement 2010 for
613 graduates of the University.
It was an historic event that
witnessed the largest graduating class
in school history assembled for a Spring
Commencement. It was a day to chart
plans for the future for the graduates, the
University and the 17-member University
of North Carolina system.
During the ceremony, UNC President
Erskine Bowles received an honorary
Doctorate of Humane Letters. Within
six months, he will leave UNC for a
presidential appointment to co-chair
the National Commission on Fiscal
Responsibility and Reform.
UNCP is a “special university, a real
gem,” he said. In his final days with the
UNC system, Bowles pledged to fight for
public higher education in North Carolina
through challenging financial times.
“I promise you that I am going to spend
every minute I’ve got to make sure you
have the resources needed to continue
to provide quality education at this
University,” Bowles said.
President Bowles thanked Dr. Charles
Jenkins, who led the University as its
interim chancellor during the 2009-10
academic year. He said former Chancellor
Jenkins set the stage for UNCP’s next
chancellor to succeed.
“Chancellor Kyle Carter will be a
tremendous asset for this University,”
Bowles said. “He is going to take this
University to the next level.”
Dr. Jenkins also acknowledged leaving
the University at a crossroads.
“Over the next few weeks, there will
be much discussion regarding budgetary
matters ... there will be tough decisions,”
former Chancellor Jenkins said. “I hope
that everyone at this Commencement
today recognizes the value of this
institution and the UNC system in the
educational and economic development
of our region and state.”
If North Carolina and UNCP’s
graduates “continue making daily choices
aimed at achieving our goals … (we) will
revel in the joy of lives lived wisely,” he
said.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Commencement speaker Judge James
W. Oxendine has lived an exemplary
life. From Fairmont, N.C., he became
the first Lumbee Indian to graduate from
law school and the first American Indian
admitted to the Georgia Bar and to argue a
case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I hope you will not forget where you
came from,” Judge Oxendine advised. “It’s
great to be from North Carolina and great
to be from Robeson County.”
The retired Superior Court judge, who
counts one semester at UNCP on his
resume, said times may be challenging,
but “don’t let anyone tell you that you
cannot succeed.
“Remember that the difference
between mediocre and good is not much,”
Judge Oxendine continued. “I realized if
I worked harder and did better, I would
excel. You can do the same.”
In his introduction of Judge Oxendine,
University Attorney Joshua Malcolm ‘92
said he is “a professional and personal
role model.”
After Judge Oxendine’s speech,
Chancellor Jenkins said, “You have made
a statement with your life about how
someone from Robeson County can
succeed.”
Success was on the minds of UNCP’s
graduates who focused on their futures.
Their plans were as diverse as the student
body itself.
LOOKING AHEAD
Three generations of Traci Johnson’s
family, including her grandmother,
Pauline, and parents, Franklin and
Carolyn, were on hand to watch her
receive a Master of Arts in Education. Like
Judge Oxendine, she is from Fairmont,
and she was a first generation college
graduate.
“None of it was easy,” said the first
grade teacher. “If I had it to do again, I
wouldn’t change anything.”
Johnson said National Board
Certification is the next step in her
continuing education.
Husband and wife, Nadine and Elliot
Samuel were all smiles as they graduated
together. Two of their four children
attended.
“We plan to get a master’s degree in
public administration at UNCP,” Nadine
10 UNCP Today Summer 2010
UUnniivveerrssiittyy N Neewwss
Largest graduating class
earned their diplomas
at Commencement 2010
Commencement Crossroads
Samuel said. “We love it here; that’s why we are continuing here.”
The question of who was the better student brought laughs. Elliot graduated Summa Cum Laude and Nadine, Magna Cum Laude.
“It was crazy,” Nadine said. “We pushed each other, especially in the classes we took together.”
“I would say we excelled in our own special areas,” Samuel Elliot said.
Ava Walker’s grandchild was in the audience Saturday. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication.
“How did I do this?” Walker laughed. “Prayer and no home cooking. But we survived.”
The new graduate hopes to turn an internship at a local radio station into a full-time “on-air” job.
Tiffany Lee, a psychology major who worked throughout college, has an ambitious plan.
“I am moving to Atlanta to start an organization for young women called Opened Cocoon,” Lee said. “I plan to get a graduate degree in counseling and a Ph.D. in divinity with a concentration in counseling.”
LARGE ATTENDANCE
Approximately 5,000 attended the ceremony on a warm, sunny and breezy morning. Commencement was held on Lumbee Guaranty Field in the Grace P. Johnson Stadium.
Dr. Beth Maisonpierre, a 25-year member of the Music Department faculty, was grand marshal. During the ceremony, she received the UNC Board of Governors Award for Teaching Excellence from Dr. Cheryl Marvileane Locklear, a member of the UNC Board of Governors and a 1975 graduate.
The Rev. Chris Hunt of the Berea Baptist Church delivered the invocation.
Greetings during Commencement were provided by Dr. Locklear, Dr. Freda Porter ‘78 on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Anthony Curtis on behalf of the faculty, Arjay Quizon on behalf of the students and Floyd Locklear ’86 on behalf of the Alumni Association.
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University News12 UNCP Today Summer 2010
UUnniivveerrssiittyy N Neewwss
Founder’s Day was celebrated on March 17 in the Paul R.
Givens Performing Arts Center.
It was the University’s 123rd year, and University officials said
the event is a prelude to a far bigger 125th celebration.
Approximately 200 relatives of founders and early graduates
of the University attended the mid-morning event. Founder’s Day
2010 honored the founding Board of Trustees and University
graduates up to the class of 1950.
Dr. Gilbert Sampson ‘58, retired chair of UNCP’s Mathematics
and Computer Science Department, is related to four of the seven
founders, including one of the first students, O.R. Sampson.
“This was very informative and a great thing for the University
and the community,” Dr. Sampson said. “This is a good day.”
Wendy Moore is a descendant of W.L. Moore, the man who
was hailed as a “founder, erector, teacher.”
“I thought I knew a lot about this University, but I learned a
lot today,” Moore said. “I’m glad I came.”
Magnolia Oxendine Lowry, a retired faculty member, is also
related to several of the founders.
“I never realized there was so much history here,” Lowry said.
“I am ever grateful to the founders.”
The University was founded in 1887, said Dr. Linda Oxendine
‘68, the retired chair of the American Indian Studies Department
and co-author of the centennial history of the University.
“W.L. Moore and Hamilton McMillan shared a vision for this
University,” she said. “The history of this institution is so unlike
any other.
“That this University had Indian control is what made it so
visionary,” Dr. Oxendine said. “I think that having local control
was key.”
State Representative McMillan authored a bill to appropriate
$500 to pay faculty of the school, but it was up to the local
American Indian community to purchase land and building
materials and erect the first buildings.
“The $500 appropriation was for salaries and came with the
stipulation that the community would provide the buildings or
the legislation would be repealed during the next session of the
legislature,” Dr. Oxendine said.
Dr. Oxendine and Lawrence Locklear ‘05, a member of the
Founder’s Day Planning Committee, discussed the early history.
Former Chancellor Charles Jenkins, who has worked 38 years at
the University, welcomed guests to the Founders Day celebration
of 123 years of the school’s history.
“This is a seminal event that we hope will become an annual
event,�� former Chancellor Jenkins said. “We all have a great deal
to celebrate, and this event will lead up to a larger celebration of
the 125th year.”
Former Chancellor Jenkins said the school’s founding and
history speak to the “courage, tenacity and strength of our
founders.
“The founders of this University were men of good will,” he
said. “The Lumbee Indian community, which built this University,
are people of good will.”
Speakers offered their thoughts and shared their personal
histories with the University.
Dr. Cheryl Locklear ‘75, former trustee and member of the
UNC Board of Governors, said “there is no university in America
with a more unique history or a story so compelling.”
“The founders may have lived in a place that people
considered poor, but their ideas were rich with possibilities,” Dr.
Locklear said. “There is no limit to what can be done if we are
willing to do the hard work, fight the good fight and believe in
ourselves.”
Dr. Locklear noted that her parents and daughter are
graduates also.
Dr. Freda Porter ‘78, a faculty member and chairwoman of
the Board of Trustees, called the founders’ work an “unrelenting
personal sacrifice.”
“The history of our University is a story of ordinary people
UNCP celebrates its founding 123 years ago
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 13
University News
The University will host two Doctor of Education
(Ed.D.) programs offered by East Carolina University
beginning in August 2010.
The programs – higher education and K-12
administration – drew considerable interest and have
formed cohorts. Classes will be held at UNCP and
supported with the latest, state-of-the-art instructional
technology.
According to ECU’s College of Education, the Ed.D.
program in higher education administration prepares
experienced leaders for senior and executive leadership in
community colleges, private and public universities and
other academic organizations.
“The degree is designed to develop and foster
leadership skills for individuals to resolve educational
problems and issues,” said ECU faculty member Dr. Bill
Grobe.
The 60-hour program includes study of leadership
theory, finance, human resources development,
organizational theory, policy analysis, planning studies,
curriculum, instructional leadership and political systems
analysis.
For UNCP and ECU, the doctoral program is the latest
collaboration in school leadership. From the mid-1990s
through 2003, ECU worked with UNCP in offering the
master of school administration program, which UNCP
continued since that time.
The doctoral program offers important education in
leadership for UNCP’s region, said former Chancellor
Charles Jenkins, who worked with ECU on the previous
school leadership program as UNCP’s provost and taught
in the program for 10 years.
“Our continuing partnership with ECU has been a great
benefit to UNCP and our region of the state,” Dr. Jenkins
said. “We are excited to help provide this opportunity.”
Dr. Leah Fiorentino, dean of UNCP’s School of
Education, said the training and research that emanates
from the Ed.D. program will benefit the region greatly.
“Eighty individuals have showed interest in joining the
cohort so far,” Dr. Fiorentino said. “We are pleased to be
able to work with ECU.”
The program requires a minimum of 60 semester
hours beyond a master’s degree, a dissertation and a
supervised internship. Level I licensure in administration
or supervision is also required for admission to the K-12
administration cohort.
To be admitted, applicants must take the GRE or
MAT, submit references, complete transcripts and a
writing sample, complete an interview, have leadership
experience and a 3.5 GPA or better in graduate work.
ECU and UNCP collaborate to offer
two doctoral programs in education
with extraordinary ambitions,” Dr. Porter said.
“By celebrating our history, we honor ourselves, and we have
much to celebrate at UNCP,” Dr. Porter said. “Many life changing
opportunities were made possible by attending this University.”
Student Government President Arjay Quizon drew a parallel
between his parents’ immigration to the U.S. and the quest for a
better life that University founders dared to dream.
“My family moved here for a chance at a better life,”
Quizon said. “The same goes for the founders who hoped this
University would provide an opportunity for a better life for this
community.”
Purnell Swett ’57, chair of the Lumbee Tribe, called the
University’s history one of “123 years of service.”
“This University is a great source of pride for the Lumbee
community,” Swett said. “So long as this University flourishes, so
will the Lumbee Tribe.”
Dr. Anthony Curtis, chair of the Faculty Senate, brought
greetings from the faculty.
“This is a time to reflect on our University’s history and its
mission for the future,” Dr. Curtis said. “The faculty gives you its
pledge to continue the hope, excitement, promise, pride, purpose
and accomplishments.”
Floyd Locklear ’86, president of the Alumni Association,
thanked the audience for “celebrating 123 years of education.
“This is a time to find out about this University’s history, and
I encourage you to get involved and give back to its future,”
Locklear said.
“courage, tenacity
and strength,”
- Former Chancellor Jenkins
Donna Lowry, president and CEO of Caring Touch Home
Healthcare of Pembroke, was named Business Person of the Year,
and Pembroke Hardware was named Business of the Year at the
14th annual Business Visions Awards Banquet on April 29.
Diane Surgeon, who has launched several businesses for
senior citizens, was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Dan Kenney,
UNCP’s athletic director, was the recipient of the Collie Coleman
Spirit of Unity Award.
Outstanding Student Awards went to Caroline Sumpter,
a business student at Robeson Community College (RCC),
Katherine McGinniss, a Master of Business Administration (MBA)
candidate at UNCP, and Peter J. Skeris, a candidate for the Master
of Public Affairs (MPA) degree at UNCP.
Curt Locklear ‘49, founder of the 50-year-old Pembroke
Hardware, accepted the award with his wife, Catherine, and
family looking on.
“I feel insufficient,” Locklear said. “The kids deserve this more
than I do because they have done it all in the last few years.”
Pembroke Hardware, a True Value Hardware affiliate, and
Pembroke Building Supply moved to a large new store in 2006.
Donna Lowry started her home healthcare and behavioral
counseling business in 2005 and now has 600 employees. She is
a philanthropist and member of UNCP’s Board of Trustees.
In her introduction, Beth Wilkerson ‘90, assistant director of
UNCP’s Small Business and Technology Development Center
(SBTDC), called Lowry a “fierce competitor and a warm and
compassionate person.”
Lowry thanked her family, the University and SBTDC, who
consulted during the business start-up.
“I have a lot of people to thank,” Lowry said. “I didn’t do this
by myself.”
An attorney, Diane Surgeon said she saw a need for legal and
other services for seniors.
“I am excited by the opportunity to serve people,” Surgeon
said. “My role is to help seniors at an important time in their
lives.”
Surgeon, who also consulted with SBTDC, started two
businesses: Comfort Care Senior Services and Elder Law Care,
and is planning a day care for seniors.
Dan Kenney has been busy at UNCP, where he launched a
football program, and in the community, where as past president
of the Robeson Road Runners, he helped launch two major
events, the Chevy to the Levy and Rumba on the Lumber road
races and festivals.
“It takes a team with a vision,” Kenney said. “I would like to
thank Business Visions for celebrating Robeson County’s success
stories.”
RCC’s Outstanding Business Student is an outstanding student,
said George Pate of the business faculty. Carolina Sumpter is also
a mother and employed full-time as a branch manager for H&R
Block.
UNCP’s Outstanding MBA Student is also an outstanding
student, said Dr. Howard Ling, program director. Katherine
McGinniss is director of the medical library at Southeastern
Regional Medical Center in Lumberton, N.C.
UNCP’s Outstanding MPA Student is a battalion chief for the
Charlotte, N.C., Fire Department, said Dr. Dan Barbee, program
director. Peter Skeris is a former New York City law enforcement
officer.
Former Chancellor Jenkins addressed the banquet, which
was held in the Regional Center for Economic, Community and
Professional Development at COMtech. As the vice chancellor for
Academic Affairs at the University, he helped found the center.
“One of the greatest things we can do is celebrate the
successes of our citizens,” former Chancellor Jenkins said.
“Entrepreneurship adds to the quality of life in our region, and
the University has taken many steps to promote economic
development.
“This is not a narrow focus for us that is limited to the business
school,” he said. “Last winter, we graduated the first group with
entrepreneurship certificates. They were drawn from majors across
campus.”
UNCP’s Thomas Center for Entrepreneurship, SBTDC,
Biotechnology Center and the Regional Center, host of the
Business Visions program, all work to promote economic
development, Dr. Jenkins said.
“There is wonderful potential for entrepreneurship at the
University, and if we’re going to grow and prosper in Southeastern
North Carolina, it will come through education,” he said.
Keynote speaker was entrepreneur, motivational speaker and
author Kelly Castor.
Sponsors for the event included Lumbee Guaranty Bank, BB&T,
Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation, Southeastern
Regional Medical Center, Robeson County Committee of 100 and
SBTDC.
BUSINESS VISIONS: Robeson’s outstanding business people honored
14 UNCP Today Summer 2010
UUnniivveerrssiittyy N Neewwss
Donna Lowry
Curt Locklear
Curt Locklear and family receive Business of the
Year Award
Dan Kenney
Diane Surgeon
Dr. Malinda Maynor Lowery introduced her newly published book, “Lumbee Indians in the Jim Crow South: Race, Identity, and the Making of a Nation” (UNC Press; 2010; 339 pages), on April 13 at the Chancellor’s Residence.
Dr. Lowery’s appearance was a part of the Native American Speaker Series, sponsored by the American Indian Studies Department and Office of Academic Affairs.
The book tells the story of a formative era of the Lumbee Tribe by the UNC-Chapel Hill historian, who is a member of the tribe. “Lumbee Indians in the Jim Crow South” is often a personal look at a harsh time that includes references and photos of family and friends living in a close-knit community.
The setting for the reading and book signing was also very personal. Dr. Lowery’s husband, Willie Lowery; parents Waltz and Louise Maynor; two sisters, Dr. Cherry Beasley and Lucy Maynor; and many friends were among the 85 in attendance at the Chancellor’s Residence for the reading and book signing.
Dr. Lowery said “Lumbee Indians in the Jim Crow South” is her effort to “pay forward the blessings” she has received from her family and community because she will “never be able to pay them back.”
“The story I tell in this book is not always pretty, but I think it’s an honest story,” she said. “It’s about how a group of Native Americans carved out a place for themselves with an iron-sided wall in place between the races.
“White supremacy was a fact of life” in the era, she said.
Dr. Lowery earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, a master’s degree in documentary filmmaking from Stanford University and a master’s degree and doctorate in history from UNC-Chapel Hill. The book was derived from her dissertation, although a more personal version.
There are four layers of identity among the Lumbee, Dr. Lowery maintains:
• First, there is kinship, or “who’s your people” as the local saying goes;
• Second, there is place, or “where do you stay” in terms of church and community;
• Third, tribe; and
• Fourth, race.
Dr. Lowery carefully described several archival photos of school students and family members that she distributed via handout to the audience. The pictures, also included in her book, are archetypes of a time long gone.
“This is the picture of poverty amidst affluence all around,” she said of a photo of a woman and her two children in the family kitchen that is lined with advertising posters, probably put there to block cold wind.
The complexities of race, blood quantum, tribal government and federal recognition were outlined as they shaped the tribe’s identity over time.
Using photographs, letters, genealogy, federal and state records and first-person family history, Dr. Lowery demonstrates how the Lumbees challenged the boundaries of Indian, Southern and American identities.
The era depicted in the book begins and ends with great triumphs in Lumbee history - the story of Henry Berry Lowry’s war against tyranny during the Civil War and Reconstruction and the 1958 rout of the Ku Klux Klan.
“I wrote this book for my people to remind ourselves of how we can divide and unify ourselves in the face of threat,” she concluded.
Dr. Rose Stremlau, a faculty member in UNCP’s American Indian Studies Department, was Dr. Lowery’s roommate in Chapel Hill as the book came together. She introduced her friend.
“Malinda was close-up to the conversations…around the kitchen table and in the tobacco fields,” Dr. Stremlau said. “She struggled to tell this story.
“Her people are on every page,” she said. “She is passionate about the well-being of her people.”
Former UNCP Chancellor Joseph Oxendine, a Lumbee, was in the audience. He said he is in one of the book’s photos.
“It’s a fascinating story,” Dr. Oxendine said. “I am pleased with what she’s doing to remind us of our identity and to be proud of it.”
Lumbee historian described her new book at UNCP
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15
University News
Dr. Lowery signs books for, on the left, Dr. Cheryl Locklear ‘75, a member of the UNC Board of Governors, and Magnolia Lowry, a retired faculty member.
Dr. Lowery describing several archival photos.Student publications rake in awards in 2010
UNCP Today Summer 2010
The student newspaper, literary
magazine and yearbook won top honors
in competitions against many of North
Carolina’s largest and most prestigious
universities.
The Pine Needle’s Web site was
named Best of Show Online News Site
by the North Carolina College Media
Association (NCMA) in a competition
with North Carolina colleges and
universities of more than 6,000
students.
The Aurochs literary magazine
won Best of Show for a Literary
Magazine in the same competition.
Its editor was Stephanie Heather
Leigh Ann Hammond.
Adam Tex Hill won first place
for his work of nonfiction for the
magazine. Craig Wilson won
honorable mention for fiction.
The Indianhead yearbook won
two honorable mention awards in
the Media Association contest: Joel Beachum
for photography and 2010 Editor Tiffany
Schmidt for student life copy.
The 2009 edition of The Indianhead
yearbook, won first place with “special merit”
in the American Scholastic Press Association’s
annual contest.
UNCP and Clemson University scored
highest in the yearbook competition. The
Indianhead received 965 out of a possible
1,000 points.
The awards were presented at the NCMA
conference in late February. It was the first year
for the contest.
Dr. Judy Curtis, a faculty member in the
Department of Mass Communication, has
served as faculty advisor to The Pine Needle
for eight years.
“We are thrilled with this statewide
recognition for our students,” Dr. Curtis said.
“They devote tremendous time and take pride
in making The Pine Needle print edition and
its Web site great sources for excellence in
news coverage.
University News
16
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 17
“Last year, the paper won first place
and Outstanding Sports Section from the
American Scholastic Press Association.”
The Aurochs is UNCP’s annual student
publication of poetry, art and literature.
Dr. Karen Helgeson, a faculty member in
the English and Theatre Department, has
served as the publication’s only faculty
advisor during its nine years of existence.
The Pine Needle Web editor is Shawn
McCain, a junior computer science
major from Laurinburg, N.C. The assistant
Web editor is Chang Lin, a sophomore
computer science major, also from
Laurinburg.
McCain’s newest development for
the Web site is an RSS feed, which gives
anyone the ability to download the latest
issue’s top stories to their iPhones or
other smart phones.
In addition to news from the print
edition of The Pine Needle, the Web
site offers podcasts by Electronic News
Editor Dustin Porter, a freshman studying
mass communication from Lumberton,
N.C., and video news packages by Web
Video Editor Charles Grant Merritt, a
junior mass communication major from
Whiteville, N.C. There is also a Facebook
page and a Twitter stream.
The Pine Needle print edition
earned two honorable mention awards:
Editor-in-Chief Wade Allen, a senior
mass communication major from
Rutherfordton, N.C., for news writing;
and Layout Editor Kaleh Myers, a junior
mass communication major from
Lumberton, N.C. for design.
The American Scholastic Press
Association’s judges called The
Indianhead “an outstanding overall
example of a scholastic publication in
format, content, and presentation.”
Other categories included creativity,
photography and page design.
In his third year working on the
yearbook, David Torres II, a digital art
major, was the editor. He was excited to
hear the news.
“My reaction to winning the award
was beyond shock,” Torres said. “I was
really excited because not only has
the yearbook been such a success to
myself and the entire staff but also the
University.”
The Indianhead had perfect marks for
“content presentation” and “publication
structure.”
“The yearbook, thanks to the entire
staff and our advisor, was very colorful,
structured and couldn’t have been put
together any other way,” Torres said.
For faculty advisor Sara Oswald, the
2009 edition was her 20th yearbook. She
was pleased with the edition and with the
award.
“David is a talented artist and did
some nice digital art work,” Oswald said.
“I appreciated all the work and creativity
that David and his staff put into this book,
and now others appreciate it too.
With the 2010 edition well underway,
Oswald took a moment to reflect.
“We will enter both competitions
again next year,” she said. “I was pleased
with the scores and input we received.
“It was a high quality yearbook,”
Oswald concluded. “This award was well
deserved.”
“It was hard work, but a great
experience,” Editor Torres said.
“Staff put together the yearbook in less
than seven months, and it is not easy,” he
said. “It requires endless phone calls, late
nights, interviews, pictures, emails and,
of course, walking all over campus to get
it all done.
“To know that we received the 2009
American Scholastic Press Association’s
first place award with special merit made
it all worth it,” he concluded.
University News
Indianhead staff 2008-09
First row from left: Chantel
Moore, Keith Townsend,
Tomika Brooks, Sara Oswald,
Sabrina Godwin and Danielle
Powers; middle row from
left; Tiffany Schmidt, Jordan
Pittman, Brittany Burt,
Kimberly Swindell, Kayloni
Wyatt and Octavia Hill; top
row from left: David Torres II
and Paela Pani
18 UNCP Today Summer 2010
Elizabeth W. Maisonpierre,
a member of the Music
Department faculty, was
awarded the 2010 UNC
Board of Governors Award for
Teaching Excellence.
A medallion
representing the award was
presented during Spring
Commencement by Dr.
Cheryl Marvileane Locklear
’75, a member of the Board of
Governors.
Dr. Maisonpierre joined
the faculty in 1985 and
teaches music theory and piano. To celebrate teaching on UNC’s
campuses, the board selects 17 of the most outstanding faculty to
receive the annual award.
As the recipient of UNC’s top teaching award, Dr. Maisonpierre
is humbled. It is the 16th annual award, and the first time it has
gone to a member of the Music Department.
“I am honored to be the recipient,” she said.
What stands out about Dr. Maisonpierre, her colleagues say, is
her boundless enthusiasm for teaching music and playing piano.
“I’ll never lose my enthusiasm for teaching or playing,” she
said.
Colleagues offered praise for the performer and the teacher.
Dr. Mark Canada, professor and chair of the English and Theatre
Department, recently observed one of her classes.
“Anyone who has heard her play the piano knows of Dr.
Maisonpierre’s mastery of her art,” Dr. Canada said. “This
opportunity showed me that she was not only a fine pianist, but a
brilliant teacher.”
Dr. Maisonpierre’s students also have been effusive in their
praise of her teaching, including former student Tommy Cox.
Online Pioneer Elected to School Board
Dr. Irene Aiken ’93, associate dean of the School
of Graduate Studies, was elected to the Richmond
County School Board. In June, the 20-year
education professional and self-professed political
novice, was sworn into office and will serve a
four-year term. Dr. Aiken earned a master’s degree
in education from UNCP and a Ph.D. from UNC-Chapel
Hill. She joined the faculty in 1994 and has
had a varied and distinguished career that includes
pioneering online teaching.
“Dr. Maisonpierre is an exceptional communicator and a
gifted teacher,” Cox said. “She is a highly motivated professional
who knows how to motivate her students to strive for excellence
both in the lecture hall and in person.”
Former student Maren Walter concurred.
“Dr. Maisonpierre created a feeling of community and
encouragement among students in her classes and those of us
who made up the piano department,” Walter said. “Her love of
people, optimism and enthusiasm were infectious during daily
interactions with her and during classes.”
Music theory and piano performance are demanding and
complex subjects to teach or learn, and Dr. Maisonpierre has a
special affinity for the rigors of the discipline. Mathematics was
her first love, she said.
“I believe that the most important thing I can do as a teacher
is to give my students a firm foundation upon which to build,”
she said. “I think this is especially true in the field of music, and
specifically in the two areas on which I am currently focused –
piano and music theory.
“If students understand every step of the process, they
will be successful and then they can take the next step,” Dr.
Maisonpierre continued. “There is a connection or sequence that
demands step-by-step learning.
“I’ve believed this since I began teaching Kindermusik and
Suzuki piano to very young students,” she said. “As a teacher,
I sometimes feel like a detective learning which step a student
missed.”
In piano performance, Dr. Maisonpierre’s theory of teaching
and learning is similar.
“Often students learn to play a piece, and it may be a
beautiful piece that they have played over and over,” she said.
“There is no guarantee they can transfer what they learned to
another piece.
“We are not teaching them to play a piece but to play
classical music,” Dr. Maisonpierre said. “We are teaching them
Dr. Elizabeth Maisonpierre wins Award for Teaching Excellence
Faculty & Staff
Faculty Awards Banquet
At the 2009-10 Faculty Awards Banquet on May
7, the following awards were announced. Pictured
from left: the Adolph L. Dial Award for Research
and Creativity winners
Dr. Mario Paparozzi (Sociology & Criminal Justice)
with Dr. Martin Slann (Arts & Sciences), accepting
the award; and Janette Hopper (Art);
UNCP Teaching Awards Dr. Jeffrey Lucas (History);
Dr. Scott Hicks (English); Dr. Ryan Anderson
(History); and Dr. Kevin Freeman (Political
Science); and Dr. Eric Dent (Business), finalist in
the UNC Board of Governors Service Award.
to do music - to read it and to perform it.
“My philosophy is basically about the importance of
foundations in musical education,” she continued. “The most
important classes I teach are always a student’s first classes.”
When the steps are not taken in sequence, she said “I take the
time to fix it.”
Dr. Maisonpierre’s enthusiasm for music started early, as she
explained with a story of a little girl, age four.
“My father was a college president, and we lived next door
to the music building,” she said. “My mother could watch our
music lessons from the kitchen window. My older siblings were
taking lessons, and I desperately wanted to be like them.
“My mother sent a snack with my sister who had a lesson
before mine, so my teacher and I always sat down to cookies and
milk first. It was such a good experience. I just couldn’t wait to go
each week,” she said. “Taking piano lessons was such a privilege
and so much fun,” Dr. Maisonpierre said. “I want my students to
feel the same way.”
In this year’s recipient of the Award for Teaching Excellence,
that kind of enthusiasm is infectious.
Dr. Maisonpierre’s enthusiasm for performing also continues.
She performs often as an accompanist, but more often with her
husband, Dr. Jonathan Maisonpierre, also a member of the music
faculty. They have performed hundreds of piano concerts for four
hands.
“My scholarship is researching, practicing and playing,” she
said. “That is how I grow as a performer and teacher.
“We study, read, listen and practice like crazy,” Dr.
Maisonpierre continued. “You grow with each piece, and it takes
a long time to do that because you have to know each piece on
so many levels.”
Dr. Maisonpierre earned a Master of Music degree from the
University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Music degree from
Ohio Wesleyan. She also studied at the Eastman School of Music.
Drs. Elizabeth and Jonathan Maisonpierre earned their Doctor of
Musical Arts degrees from the University of Maryland. Their joint
dissertation was titled “Twenty-three Sonatas or Sonata-Related
Works Written in the Twentieth Century for Piano, Four Hands.”
A stint with the N.C. Artist in Residence program led to
positions at UNCP. In the years since, Dr. Maisonpierre has not
lost her enthusiasm for the faculty evaluation model of teaching,
service and scholarship.
“When I perform, I am doing all three at once,” she said. “I
teach through performance, and some of my best teaching comes
through well-performed pieces.”
When the Drs. Maisonpierre perform, they are ambassadors,
role models and recruiters for their University. Their enthusiasm
has enriched their students’ experience and their University.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 19
Faculty & Staff
20 Summer 2010
Beekeeping project looks into troubled hives
University scientists peered into their new beehives for the
first time on May 3 to check their health.
Dr. Charles Harrington, a veteran beekeeper and member
of the business school faculty, declared the four hives, located
in COMtech Park near the University’s Sartorius Stedim
Biotechnology Center, to be “very healthy and active.”
The hives are the first of several dozen planned by the UNCP
Honey Bee Center that will fan out across the region, said Dr. Len
Holmes, a biotechnology researcher.
“Bees in North America are under a lot of stress for reasons
we don’t completely understand,” Dr. Holmes said. “We are
working with local beekeepers in hopes of promoting beekeeping
and to do research on bees.”
A sample of spring honey offered a taste of good things to
come. As a group of interested hive owners looked on, Dr.
Harrington examined the hives after applying smoke to calm
them.
“I got interested in beekeeping through my grandfather,” Dr.
Harrington said. “I see heavy pollen flow and bees working the
combs nicely.”
An October harvest is planned if all goes well, he said.
“The queen is healthy and rapidly turning over her brood,” Dr.
Harrington said. “I estimate between 12,500 and 15,000 bees in
this hive.”
Looking on was Forrest Malcolm, son of Joshua Malcolm,
UNCP’s attorney.
“Forrest has raised everything from dogs and turtles to fruits
and vegetables,” his father said. “We thought this would be very
interesting.”
Megan Locklear was taking notes. She is a student at Robeson
Community College who will attend UNCP in the fall.
“I am working with Dr. Holmes on this project, and I hope
to continue doing research in the fall,” Locklear said. “I want to
major in biology.”
Dr. David Oxendine, a faculty member in the School of
Education, was on hand, too.
“I want to put a hive at my home in Union Chapel,” Dr.
Oxendine said. “I have always wanted to do this.”
Dr. Holmes said the panel he picked up weighed about 10
pounds, a good sign of a productive hive. “Loaded with honey,”
he said.
Dr. Holmes and his student research team will study the hives
with an eye for problems.
“We’ll conduct basic research on the biological and
environmental agents that negatively influence bees,” Dr. Holmes
said. “We’ll promote beekeeping as a hobby and collect data
on hive locations to share with regional and state beekeeping
associations.”
UNCP hopes to become a resource for beekeeping in this
agricultural region and preserve the pollinators to build a stronger
economy.
The project is funded in part by a grant from the Robeson
County Farm Bureau and in cooperation with COMtech,
a regional business incubator located in Robeson County.
UNCP’s project is a member of the N.C. Honey Bee Research
Consortium.
UNCP geologists will bore into Carolina bays past
By pinpointing the date of their creation, geologist Dr. Lee
Phillips will help solve the “mystery” of Carolina bays.
A $25,000, two-year, NASA grant through North Carolina’s
Space Grant Consortium will aid his research.
“The mystery of the bays’ origins is a bit overdone,” Dr.
Phillips said. “We will take core samples to learn how old they
are.”
The project – “Carolina Bays: A Paleo-climatic Perspective”
– will engage undergraduates in a scientific investigation with
“potentially global significance,” Dr. Phillips said.
From preliminary surveys that Dr. Phillips and an
undergraduate student have already performed, two poster
presentations have resulted, one at a joint meeting of the
Geological Society of America. That poster, by environmental
science major Sidney Post, was titled “Delineation of Spatial
Variances of Carolina Bays within Robeson County, N.C.”
Bees, Bays and Biochar
UNCP Today
Faculty & Staff
Drs. Harrington, left, and Holmes examine the health of the hive.
“The next step will be a test project to see how this study can
be expanded,” Dr. Phillips said. “During the process, we’ve met
many other bay researchers, and it has peaked the interest of
other scientists.”
The UNCP team will drill 20-30 foot holes in Carolina bays
in five counties around Robeson. They have hundreds to choose
from because the bays – oval depressions – dot the landscape
from New Jersey to Florida.
“There are no studies like this in North Carolina,” Dr. Phillips
said. “Studies in Georgia and South Carolina indicate the bays
are about 100,000 years old.”
“We’re excited because this project deals with North
Carolina’s landscape and how the coastal plain has changed over
the last 100,000 years,” he continued. “It gives us an idea about
what went on here in the recent past, geologically speaking.”
With apologies to those who theorize that aliens or asteroids
formed the bays, Dr. Phillips’ team will learn more about how
wind and waves shaped the landscape, probably during the
Glacial Maxima period and the later interglacial period.
“I cannot predict exactly how old the bays are, but we will get
a good idea,” he said.
The research team will use a process called “optically
stimulated luminescence,” which measures the solar radiation of
quartzite rock.
“What that means is the sun’s radiant energy excited certain
elements in rock,” he explained. “When that radiation stopped,
we have a ticking clock for measurement.”
The UNCP team will be the first to read this clock in North
Carolina.
“I am very excited for the students,” Dr. Phillips said. “The
grant will help us promote teamwork, confidence and hands-on
training with state-of-the-art scientific equipment.”
One last mystery that Dr. Phillips revealed: Carolina bays are
not named for the Carolinas, where most of them occur, but the
Carolina bay tree that populates the bays.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 21
UNCP begins producing biochar for soil research
The first successful batch of biochar or charcoal produced
at the University will push soil and plant research another step
forward.
On the far north end of campus this spring, Dr. Deborah
Hanmer, a biology professor and plant pathologist, and an
undergraduate researcher hovered around a 55-gallon barrel to
produce biochar.
On Earth Day, Dr. Hanmer cracked open the 30-gallon
interior chamber to find almost perfect charcoal.
Biochar was discovered in the soil of pre-Columbian people
in South America and dubbed “Terra Preta” by Europeans. The
soil demonstrated some remarkable characteristics including the
retention of nutrients after 1,000 years.
Research began two years ago when Dr. Hanmer began
purchasing biochar.
“Using different amounts of biochar, we tested to see how
soil would resist common plant disease,” Dr. Hanmer said. “The
biochar we will make here will be used in a pesticide and a
nematode study.”
Biochar is produced through the pyrolysis of biomass,
or in this case, the heating of wood in a nearly oxygen-free
environment. Sequestering carbon in biochar has peaked
scientists’ interest in this age of global warming research.
UNCP’s biochar production was made possible by a
contribution of materials, labor and consulting from Flow Farms
of Aberdeen, N.C.
“This method only takes about two to two-and-a-half hours to
produce biochar,” said a representative who works at Flow Farms.
“We are learning how to use it in our gardens to produce organic
and vegan vegetables.”
Dr. Hanmer’s collaboration with Flow Farms came about
through the North Carolina Farm Center for Innovations and
Sustainability, headquartered in Fayetteville, N.C.
“Biochar is beautiful,” Dr. Hanmer said, breaking a piece in
her hands. “You can see the entire structure of the wood.
“These tiny holes are critical to retaining nutrients,” she said.
“We want to see what else it retains, like insecticide.
“We hope to learn more about the qualities of biochar in the
soil,” Dr. Hanmer said. “Our students will learn science and have
publishable results.”
Faculty & Staff
Dr. Hanmer, right, with students in the greenhouse.
Dr. Phillips, right, with students at the beach.
Faculty & Staff Faculty & Staff: In Memoriam
Dr. William Gash,
associate vice chancellor for
Academic Affairs, was named
interim provost and vice
chancellor on April 5.
Former Chancellor
Charles Jenkins made
the announcement. In
a University-wide town
hall meeting on April 28,
Chancellor Kyle R. Carter
said UNCP will have a new
academic chief by February
2011.
In stepping down from the
provost post, Dr. Charles Harrington said he will return to the
School of Business faculty.
“We are indeed fortunate to have someone with the
background and experience of Dr. Bill Gash willing to accept the
responsibilities and duties of provost and vice chancellor on an
interim basis,” former Chancellor Jenkins said.
Chancellor Carter outlined his plan to form a search
committee. He spoke in front of a gathering of approximately
200 faculty, staff and students and said groundwork to form a
search committee will be laid this summer.
Dr. Carter is familiar with the provost position. He rose
through the faculty ranks to the position of provost at Central
Missouri and then served as provost for Western Carolina, where
he served before coming to Pembroke.
“Provost is a very important position whose role is to advance
the academic mission of the University,” he said. “The provost is
first among equals who will support and collaborate with the vice
chancellors to promote the entire institution.”
A provost should be visible, embrace diversity, nurture the
University’s core values, work with alumni and the foundation
and, most importantly, serve as the academic leader, Chancellor
Carter said. He said he was looking for a proven leader, perhaps
someone with prior experience as a provost.
“This person should be someone who matches my style and
works well with all the vice chancellors,” he said.
A broad-based search committee will be formed by the start
of the fall semester. It will include faculty, staff and community
members. It will be an “open search.”
Dr. Gash has served in the Office of Academic Affairs for 18
years. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina, a
Master of Business Administration degree from Western Carolina
University, a Master’s of Music Education degree from Florida
State University, a Bachelor’s of Music Education degree from
Maryville College and a Bachelor of Science degree from UNC
Asheville.
Dr. Gash said, “I’m honored to serve as interim provost and
work with faculty, students and staff during this time.”
Dr. William Gash named interim provost;
search to begin for full-time academic chief
22 UNCP Today Summer 2010
Loren L. Butler II
Tecumseh Brayboy
In the last edition
of UNCP Today, the
following information was
unintentionally omitted from
Tecumseh Brayboy’s memorial
on page 11. We regret the
error and are pleased to share
the omitted information below.
Tecumseh Brayboy ‘64 was
founder and pastor of Walnut
Grove Baptist Church in
Arcola, N.C., from September
11, 1982, until his death on
December 9, 2009.
In addition to his brothers and sisters listed in the last
UNCP Today edition, Brayboy is survived by his wife of 43
years, Barbara (Lynch) Brayboy ‘65, and three daughters:
Jennifer (Eric) Brayboy Locklear, Heather (Johnathan)
Brayboy Hedgepeth, and Natalie. He leaves four adorable
grandchildren to cherish his memories: Elan and Mary-
Riley Locklear and Lydia and Andrew Hedgepeth. He is also
survived by his mother, Eva Harris Brayboy. Brayboy’s wife,
daughters and sons-in-law are UNCP graduates.
Loren L. Butler II, a retired
history professor, died on
January 16. He was born on
Oct. 25, 1925, in Sheridan,
Ark. A longtime Lumberton,
N.C. resident, he passed away
in Glenflora Nursing Home.
Butler joined UNCP’s
faculty in 1966 and retired in
1994. He earned his Bachelor
of Arts and Master of Arts
degrees from the University of
Arkansas and worked towards
a doctorate in Byzantine
history at the University of South Carolina.
In 1980, he was awarded a grant from the National
Endowment of Humanities to study in Athens, Greece.
He was a World War II veteran and a reenactor of several
eras including the Highland Scots of the Revolutionary War
period, the Civil War and both World Wars. He was known
for his handlebar mustache and his dark maroon, 1940
Packard automobile.
Butler was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years,
Mary Lou Meacham Butler, and is survived by a daughter,
Lorell Augusta Victoria Butler, of Chicago, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be
made to the Loren L. Butler II History Scholarship Award at
UNC Pembroke.
When he enrolled at Pembroke State
College after World War II, Tom Oxendine
’48 wore a flight jacket and the distinction of
being the first American Indian Navy pilot.
He had already earned the Distinguished
Flying Cross.
A Pembroke native, Oxendine died on
Thursday, May 27, at his home in Arlington,
Va. He was born on December 23, 1922, the son of the late Thomas H.
Oxendine and Georgia Rae Maynor Oxendine.
Oxendine is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Moody
Oxendine; two sons, Thomas of Lexington, Va., and Robert of Tampa,
Fla.; four brothers, Robert of Lyman, S.C., Louis of Pembroke, (Chancellor
Emeritus) Joe of Pinehurst, N.C, and Ray of Maxton, N.C.; two sisters,
Magnolia Lowry of Pembroke and Ruth Hurnevich of Hazel Park, Mich. He
was preceded in death by a son, William, and a brother, Earl Hughes.
Oxendine joined the U.S. Naval Air Corps in January 1942 and
completed flight school. Before enlisting, he had learned to fly in
Lumberton, N.C., at Horace Barnes’ flying school.
As a navy pilot, Oxendine took part in 33 battles during WW II and
received numerous awards and medals. On July 26, 1944, he defied radio
communications and landed his seaplane under Japanese gunfire and in
adverse weather to rescue a downed airman. For this, Oxendine received
the Distinguished Flying Cross.
In college, Oxendine stood out as a three-sport star and played on the
heralded football teams. After graduation, Oxendine returned to serve in the
jet age as a fighter pilot and flight instructor in the Korean and Vietnamese
wars.
During his Navy career, he test piloted a carrier aircraft and was a
combat flight instructor for the supersonic F8V Crusader. While stationed
on the U.S.S. Midway, Tom recorded 177 landings at sea.
Oxendine retired from the military after 29 years and became chief
of public affairs for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C.,
a position he held for 16 years. For the past 15 years he served as a
consultant for American Indians and Alaska Natives with the EOP Group.
Despite never gaining the same attention as the Tuskegee airmen,
Oxendine earned many honors. He was the University’s first “Distinguished
Alumnus” in 1967 and was inducted with the first class in the Athletic Hall
of Fame in 1980.
He is cited in the textbook “North Carolina: Social Studies for a
Changing World.” Published by McGraw Hill in 1993, the text was
required reading for fourth grade students in North Carolina.
In 2003, he was recognized by the North Carolina Museum of History
as one of the state’s “Pioneers in Aviation.”
At home, he was a hero, and in the 1950s and 60s, Oxendine made
flyovers of the Town of Pembroke in Navy jets. It was a signal to young
Lumbees that the sky is the limit.
Through the years, Oxendine was a frequent visitor to Pembroke and
UNCP. He attended homecoming activities in 2009.
Memorials may be made to the American Indian, ROTC, football,
basketball or baseball scholarships at the University.
Bertha Lowry Pinchbeck, 92, passed away on
May 28 in her home in Pembroke surrounded by
her family, friends and caregivers.
She was the daughter of the late William
Henry and Crossie Maynor Lowry. Pinchbeck
was married to the late Walter J. Pinchbeck,
UNCP’s long-time superintendent of buildings
and grounds.
The Pinchbecks had six children, four of
whom were born on UNCP’s campus. She was
a mother figure to hundreds of college students
and Boy Scouts in her husband’s Troop 327.
Walter Pinchbeck, a Cree Indian, was a
national figure in Boy Scouting. In 2004, UNCP
put his name on the new Walter J. Pinchbeck
Maintenance Building.
In 2007, Bertha Pinchbeck was affectionately
named “The Mother of Boy Scouting for the
Pembroke Boy Scout Troop 327.”
Pinchbeck was preceded in death by her
husband; two sons, William Henry “Buddy”
Pinchbeck and Francis Pinchbeck; a grandson,
Mark Schrader, and a daughter-in-law, Sylvia
Pinchbeck. Three siblings preceded her: Lockie
Lowry Deese, Seavie Lowry and James Lee
Lowry.
Pinchbeck is survived by a son, Walter
Pinchbeck Jr. of Louisville, Ky., three daughters,
Mary Alice Teets ’58, and husband, Edward, both
of Pembroke; Sandra Bond and husband William
Richard, both of Titusville, Fla., and Helena
Williams and husband Ron, both of Beaufort,
S.C. She has 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Boy Scout Troop
327 of Pembroke.
Alumni: In Memoriam
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 23
Distinguished Alumnus Tom
Oxendine passed away on
May 27
Long-time
University
figure,
Bertha
Pinchbeck,
died
May 28
Athletics
Women’s Basketball
Junior basketball player JaToya Kemp led the Peach Belt Conference (PBC)
in scoring (18.1 point per game) and field goal percentage (.631). She was
elected to the all-conference team. Kemp has 972 career points and is poised
to finish her career as one of the all-time leading scorers in school history.
“I would like to congratulate JaToya on her outstanding accomplishments
this season, the honors she has received are truly deserved,” said coach John
Haskins.
“JaToya is an outstanding team player,” coach Haskins continued. “She
plays extremely hard, is very competitive and will do anything she can to help
her team be successful.”
Men’s Basketball
Shahmel Brackett was selected the PBC
Freshman of the Year. Brackett scored 14.5
points per game and led the Braves in scoring
in 12 games, including a season high 29 points
against Francis Marion.
Brackett is coached by Ben Miller, who
finished up his second season at UNCP.
“Congratulations to Shahmel on a great
freshman season and being named freshman
of the year,” coach Miller said. “Shahmel has
unusual talent and skill but also possesses a
passion for the game and desire to improve.
“He has also been a great teammate and
representative of UNCP,” he continued. “I
think we will all enjoy watching him grow and
develop as a student-athlete over the next few
years.”
UNCP athletes shined during winter and spring competition
24 UNCP Today Summer 2010 Athletics
Wrestling
Under coach Jamie Gibbs, UNCP wrestling finished
the season ranked in the top 25 nationally. Four wrestlers
competed in the NCAAs in Omaha, Neb. Two earned all-
American honors: Russell Weakley, a junior who competes at
125 pounds and Michael Williams, a freshman at 157 pounds.
“Weakley is fun to watch,” coach Gibbs said. “He’s a
brawler and very physical. He led the team in wins and pins.
“He’s a solid student and a good guy,” he continued. “Russ
helped out with our youth club.
“Williams is Weakley’s opposite,” Gibbs said. “He’s
naturally gifted and extremely athletic.
“A good student and a special young man, he had to
overcome knee surgery in the first semester,” he continued.
“Michael ended up strong and was the most outstanding
wrestler in the regionals.”
Golf
Coach David Synan was selected PBC Women’s Coach of
the Year. Katja Dammann, a junior from Pinehurst, N.C., senior
Christina Crovetti and freshman Shauna Walor were selected
all-conference. Walor was selected PBC Freshman of the Year,
and is the first player in UNCP history to receive the award in
women’s golf.
On the men’s side, sophomore Jordan Walor was selected
all-conference and is the first Brave to win the PBC Golf
Championship. Shauna and Jordan are brother and sister.
“Mentally, Jordan is a very strong golfer,” coach Synan said.
“He does not worry much about mechanics, but focuses on
what he is trying to do with the ball.
“Jordan is a nice young man to have as a part of the UNCP
golf family,” said coach Synan. “He is a great example of
what I strive to recruit - a good student, a good person and an
outstanding athlete.”
UNCP Football Schedule
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 25
September 4 FAYETTEVILLE STATE
6 pm (Two Rivers Classic)
September 11 at Saint Paul’s
1 pm
September 18 at Wingate
1:30 pm
September 25 CARSON-NEWMAN
2 pm (Parents Weekend)
October 2 at Glenville State
1 pm
October 9 at Webber International
1 pm
October 16 FAIRMONT STATE
2 pm
October 23 at Winston-Salem State
2 pm
October 30 CONCORD
2 pm (Homecoming)
November 6 NORTH GREENVILLE
2 pm
2010
Matt McGovern
Seth Kivett
Athletics
Track and Field
At the NCAA Division II Southeast Regionals, Karlos Jordan won
the 100- and 200-meter races and ran a leg in the winning 4x100 relay
team to lead the men’s track team to a fourth place finish.
It was a strong team performance with David Lynn finishing 1st in
the hammer throw and 5th in the javelin, Darel Crook, 5th in the high
jump; Daniel Yeakley, 4th in the 10,000 meter run; Greg Byrd, 5th in
the 400 meter; Jon Williams, 2nd, Darius Brantley, 3rd and Cedrick
Wilson, 4th in the 800 meters; A.J. Davis, 1st in the discus; and Zack
Bayless, 2nd in the 5,000 meters.
Earlier in the year, Maurice Eubanks had a 100-meter personal best
of 10.51 at the UNC Charlotte Invitational.
Coach Larry Rodgers said both Eubanks and Jordan had outstanding
spring seasons along with Pardon Ndhlovu, who won at 5,000 meters
in the Duke Twilight Invitational. David Lynn finished 4th in the shot
put at Duke.
The women also finished strong with 4th place in the regional
meet. Kye Tennyson won the high jump, Nicole Hill was 4th in the
hammer and Katherine Davis was 5th in the javelin.
Davis had a school record throw of 46.24 meters in the hammer
at the Duke meet and Jessica McDowell finished 3rd in the 100 meter
hurdles and 4th in the 400 meter hurdles.
“With only one senior on either squad, we should be very strong
next year,” Rodgers said.
Baseball
The 32-member PBC All-Conference Baseball Team included four
Braves. The team was ranked 22nd nationally at the end of the regular
season with a 34-13 record.
Pitcher Matt McGovern and infielder Seth Kivett earned all-league
honors for the second year, while relief pitcher Brian Willis and
outfielder Kenny Mickens made the team for the first time.
McGovern is 18-2 over two seasons. Kivett batted .362 with
eight home runs. Willis had 10 saves and a 1.66 earned run average.
Mickens led the team in hitting with a .395 average and nine home
runs.
UNCP athletes shined during winter and spring competition
26 UNCP Today Summer 2010 Athletics
Softball
The softball team posted a 29-19 record. Jelena Shaw, a senior
third baseman, was selected as PBC Player of the Year and first
team all-American. It was the first time in school history a Lady
Brave softball player received the honor. Shaw holds six career
softball records and led the conference in hitting this season with
an average of .441. Coach Lacinda Melanson is in her second
year.
“There is not enough time or space to describe the positive
impact and leadership Jelena has provided for this team all four
years,” coach Melanson said. “She is the hardest working and
most humble athlete I have ever coached.
“She is blessed athletically with tons of speed, power and
quick reaction time; when you add her work ethic there is
no stopping her,” she continued. “There is no doubt that she
deserves every award she has received this year. Off the field,
she held above a 3.0 cumulative GPA and is involved with the
student advisory committee. She is leaving very large shoes to
fill!”
Holly Berry was selected Peach Belt Conference Freshman
of the Year in softball. Berry plays shortstop and batted .423 for
the season along with ranking third in the conference in hits and
fourth in RBIs.
“Holly has come on stronger than anticipated as a true
freshman this year,” coach Melanson said. “We are very proud
of her! She is a great all-around athlete and works hard to stay in
the shape she needs to be in.
“Holly provides power, good speed and a very strong arm,”
she continued. “In the classroom, she has also done very well.
“She is an exciting ball player to have because we know she
is going to continue to improve and mature,” Melanson said.
“We look forward to her becoming a sound leader for us and
anticipate better seasons each year she is here.”
A third member of the softball team, junior Loren Bartz, was
selected to the all-conference team.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 27
Holly Berry
Jelena Shaw
28 UNCP Today Summer 2010
Friends, teammates establish scholarship honoring Joe Gallagher, an all-time great
Advancement
Joe Gallagher continues to value the friends he’s made over
the years playing and coaching basketball.
On March 23, some of his basketball family established
the Joe Gallagher Basketball Scholarship for the University’s
basketball program, where he played and coached.
Gallagher ‘68, still holds the University’s career scoring
record. For the lanky ex-Marine, it’s not about records.
“The records are inconsequential, and I hope they are all
broken,” he said. “What’s important are the friends you make on
the way.
“I want to thank you
guys for this,” Gallagher
said. “As teammates, we
liked each other from
the start, and we still get
along.
“This is a great thing
for Pembroke, a University
I support wherever I go,”
he continued. “This was a
great University when we
were here, and it’s a great
University now.”
Wiley Barrett, a college
teammate from Pinehurst,
N.C., led the scholarship
effort.
“Joe was in the Marines
before he came to college,
so we were all in awe of
him,” Barrett said. “He
has phone numbers for
everyone he’s met, and he
stays in contact.”
Barry Hopkins, another teammate from Greensboro, N.C.,
talks with Gallagher two or three times a week.
“Joe and I have known each other since 1966 and nobody
thinks more of him than I do,” Hopkins said.
But Hopkins said Gallagher never gave him enough credit as
a basketball player.
“If I hadn’t missed so many shots, he never would have
gotten that rebounding record,” Hopkins said. “I’m glad we’re
doing this in Joe’s honor; he’s been a good friend for a long
time.”
Gallagher’s basketball coaching career began at Maxton High
School with stops at Pembroke, Methodist, Richmond, Belmont
Abbey, UNC Greensboro, Campbell, Boston (Celtics) and
Philadelphia (76ers). He may not be finished yet.
Gallagher lives in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., with his wife, the
former Sharon Skipper, whom he met at UNCP. He still has a fire
burning for the game.
“I’m semi-retired, and I’m looking for an opportunity either
in college or the pros,” he said. “I have a passion for the game; I
miss it.
“When I was playing, basketball was never a job, and when I
was coaching, it was never a job,” Gallagher said.
Basketball has changed considerably since Gallagher
strapped on his first pair of “Chuck Taylors.”
“I study, work and
teach my craft,” he said.
“It didn’t come easy; there
were a lot of bumps along
the way.”
Gallagher returned
to his alma mater on
February 13 for “Joe
Gallagher Night.” Former
Chancellor Charles Jenkins
attended the event.
“Joe Gallagher Night
was one of the greatest
events I have attended at
this University,” former
Chancellor Jenkins
said. “This scholarship
is fantastic for several
reasons.
“We’ve honored a
lot of great players, but
there is very seldom a
scholarship named for
them,” he continued. “This was not initiated by the University,
but by Joe’s friends, classmates and teammates.
“Joe left his legacy on the court, and this is a legacy that
will last forever,” the former chancellor said. “It will make a
difference in the lives of many, many basketball players into the
future.”
Basketball coach Ben Miller said upon arriving in Pembroke,
he learned about Joe Gallagher.
“What you did on the court is still a huge part of what
we’re doing now,” Miller said. “Your legacy is important to our
program today.”
Athletic Director Dan Kenney summed up.
“This scholarship is about loyalty,” Kenney said. “We will
make sure that quality continues through the recipients of this
scholarship.”
To contribute to or endow a scholarship, please contact the Office for Advancement at (910) 521-6252 or email advancement@uncp.edu.
From left: Basketball coach Ben Miller, Wiley Barrett, former Chancellor Jenkins, Joe
Gallagher, Sharon Gallagher, Athletic Director Dan Kenney and Barry Hopkins
Advancement
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 29
University and BB&T officials celebrated the establishment of
its second endowed professorship in the School of Business.
BB&T Corporation of Winston-Salem, N.C., has now
pledged $1 million over 10 years to establish the endowments.
A separate gift of $50,000 will support programs on ethics in
business.
The BB&T Distinguished Endowed Professorship in the
Morality of Capitalism was announced at a luncheon honoring
the bank. The BB&T Distinguished Endowed Professorship in the
Philosophical Foundations of Free Enterprise was established in
2007.
The School of Business held forums in 2009 on business
ethics and the philosophical foundations of capitalism. A new
course, “Ethics in Capitalism,” was launched in January 2010.
The event highlighted the historic and ongoing ties between
BB&T, the 10th largest U.S. bank holding company, and UNCP.
The guest speaker was BB&T employee Maggie Wojtowicz ’09, a
current MBA candidate.
“When I look around me at the office, I see so many UNCP
graduates and students,” Wojtowicz said. “I appreciate BB&T’s
leadership in the community and for allowing students like me
to put theory into practice.
“BB&T plays a great role in the lives of students like me,” she
said.
As a student, Wojtowicz worked part-time with BB&T and
has been promoted to supervisor as a full-time employee. She
said she has learned more than business on the job.
“As a student we learned the moral lessons of business,”
Wojtowicz said. “BB&T is an example of a mission-driven
business.”
Former Chancellor Charles Jenkins called it a “wonderful
gift.” He noted that BB&T’s strong core principles are a beacon
of light amidst recent turmoil in the financial markets.
“The values that BB&T inculcates into its business
relationships are a model for our students,” former Chancellor
Jenkins said. “When I teach a class in applied ethics in school
leadership, I often quote John Allison (former BB&T chief
executive officer).
“The number one crisis in our nation is not a financial one,
but one of ethics,” he said.
Senior Vice President and Lumberton City Executive James
Gore echoed the bank’s mission statement and praised UNCP’s
role.
“At BB&T, we have a strong commitment to improving our
communities,” Gore said. “Our mission has never wavered and
never changed.
“It is a distinct advantage to have a UNC university in our
community,” he continued. “UNCP is a vital part of higher
education in the state and in the region, and a very important
part of the economy of this county.”
As BB&T’s CEO, Allison lectured at UNCP and earned a
wider reputation during the recent financial downturn for his
highly principled leadership.
Dr. Eric Dent was dean of the School of Business when the
first endowed professorship was established.
“Our School of Business has held up BB&T as a success
story,” Dr. Dent said. “They have demonstrated good moral and
ethical business practices and have avoided the pitfalls that
befell so many other financial institutions.
“How will the next generation acquire these values when
many universities have not taken up the cause of moral and
ethical training?” he asked. “This gift will mold our students to
become better students, better employees and better citizens.
“John Allison was pleased with UNCP’s activities thus far,
which built confidence that another donation to our campus
would be spent wisely,” he concluded.
The gift will be made over 10 years and will be matched by
the North Carolina General Assembly’s Distinguished Professors
Endowment Trust Fund. As an endowment, the gift will fund the
professorship perpetually.
BB&T Corporation and its subsidiaries offer full-service
commercial and retail banking and additional financial services
such as insurance, investments, retail brokerage, mortgage,
corporate finance, consumer finance, payment services,
international banking, leasing and trust.
BB&T operates more than 1,800 financial centers in 13 states
and Washington, D.C. With $165.3 billion in assets, it is the
nation’s 10th largest financial holding company.
The bank has historic roots in Eastern North Carolina.
BB&T was founded in Wilson in 1872, and in 1995, it merged
with like-sized Southern National Corp., a bank founded in
Lumberton, N.C.
UNCP celebrates BB&T’s second endowed professorship in business
To contribute to or endow a scholarship, please contact the Office for Advancement at (910) 521-6252 or email advancement@uncp.edu.
One of the great high school coaches in North Carolina
history was honored on February 24 in the Jones Athletic Center.
More than 100 friends, family and fellow coaches turned out
to honor A.G. ‘Tunney’ Brooks at a reception and ceremony in
the Native Angels Home Care & Hospice Braves Club Room of
the English E. Jones Athletic Center. He was a coach and athletic
director at Lumberton High School for 31 years.
The Lumberton
Booster Club and
Coach Brooks’
friends contributed
$100,000 to
an endowed or
permanent athletic
scholarship in his
name. It is the largest
athletic scholarship
at UNCP.
“I love every one
of you,” Brooks said
during the ceremony.
“I love everything
you’re doing to help
UNC Pembroke and
Lumberton High
School. I love you
all.
“Thank you
for all you did for
me when I came
to Lumberton,” he
continued. “I came
here to teach, but I
learned more from
you.
“I thoroughly enjoyed coaching and teaching,” Brooks said,
lighting up the room. “If I’d known I was going to have to do all
this, I’d have run a few laps to get into better shape.”
Coach Brooks came to Lumberton in 1959. He coached
football and basketball and was athletic director. He instantly
turned around an ailing athletic program and for 31 years steered
the Lumberton Pirates to solid success.
Attending the event were coaches like Findley Read, who
coached with him in Lumberton, and Rockingham High School
coach Bill Eutsler; friends like Charlie Kinlaw, who like Brooks
played at Wake Forest; and players like Nicky Guy, a Shrine Bowl
player, and Paul Willoughby, who played and coached for him.
“Tunney Brooks was the coach that other coaches said got
more from less,” said Paul Willoughby ‘74, who is a UNCP
trustee. “I was fortunate to play three years for him in the late
1960s and then come back to coach Lumberton High School’s
football team under him as athletic director.
“Coach, we love you,” Willoughby said.
Willoughby described Brooks with the terms “trust, stability,
organization and structure.”
The endowment will produce a maximum of four $1,000
scholarships each year with a guarantee that at least two will
be awarded. The scholarship will be open to male and female
student-athletes at the University, who exhibit character, maintain
a 2.5 grade point average and demonstrate financial need.
The scholarship will be first offered to student-athletes from
Lumberton Senior High School then student-athletes from
Robeson County
will be eligible.
If no Robeson
athlete qualifies,
the scholarship will
be available to any
UNCP student-athlete.
“I have been
contacted by people
as far away as Alaska
and California
about giving to this
scholarship,” James
Granger, scholarship
facilitator, told The
Robesonian.
Former
Chancellor Charles
Jenkins coached
against Brooks for
three years while at
Scotland High School.
“In life and sports,
we run into people
all the time who are
legends in their own
mind, but not coach
Brooks,” former Chancellor Jenkins said. “He truly is a legend.
“When I coached against him, we almost never won,” he said.
Dave Bullock, a former player, is making a special tribute to
the coach of a scale “Pirate” ship named in his honor.
“She’s got 30 long guns,” Bullock said. “Coach, she’s deadly.”
Attending the event were Brooks’ wife, Joan; sons, Ritchie
and John; their wives, Carol and Sherry respectively; and five
grandchildren.
Ritchie Brooks spoke for the family.
“The things you did made his career, and the things he
did made you who you are,” Brooks said. “Thank you for this
ceremony and for what you have done for our father and your
coach.”
Athletic Director Dan Kenney said the University will ensure
that the scholarship honors its namesake.
“When we select recipients for this scholarship, we won’t
compromise the values that coach Brooks stood for,” Kenney
said. “Coach, it is a great honor to be in the room with you.”
Endowed scholarship honors coach A.G. ‘Tunney’ Brooks
30 UNCP Today Summer 2010
Advancement
To contribute to or endow a scholarship, please contact the Office for Advancement at (910) 521-6252 or email advancement@uncp.edu.
“I came here to teach,
but I learned more from you.”
- Coach Brooks
Front row from left: Dave Bullock and Tunney Brooks; standing from left, former Chancellor Jenkins,
James Granger, Paul Willoughby, Johnny Strickland, Bruce Mullis and Dan Kenney.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 31
Advancement
Suppor t Our Students
Save the Date August
6th!
SOS Beach Party returns to benefit student scholarships
In the spring of 2009, when UNCP
realized that our endowments had taken
such a hit as a result of the troubled
economy, it was time for us to take action.
We have always prided ourselves in
being a small town University “Where
Learning Gets Personal,” so this was the
perfect time to show it! Thanks to our
guests and sponsors, we were able to raise
enough funds to award 96 scholarships
for the 2009-10 school year. It was such
a success, we are doing it again! The
SOS Beach Party 2010 will take place on
August 6th and will feature some of the
great beach-themed festivities from last
year plus a few new surprises. Visit www.
uncp.edu/advancement/sos/ today for
more information!
After last year’s event, we notified
the scholarship recipients and explained
what had taken place to make their award
possible.
“There are no words to express my
gratitude for allowing me to have this
wonderful helping hand. I will do my best
to make you proud by giving 110% effort
in my studies.”
- Valery Q. (Nursing), San Juan,
Puerto Rico
“This semester has been hard on
me financially and I would like to say
that your contribution has made my life
more at ease. UNCP is truly a special
University.”
– Joshua R. (History), Bladenboro, NC
In addition, we asked for their thoughts
about the origin of the award and how
they feel about UNCP. Below are some of
those responses.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your
help. UNCP is a very good place to meet
new people and develop relationships that
last for a lifetime.”
– Erin D. (Biology), Raleigh, NC
“Thank you. The scholarship has
helped me continue my education that
leads to a brighter future.”
– Roxi G. (Education), Hamlet, NC
“Thanks to everyone who participated.
This money helps in making my education
dream become a reality.”
– Ronald G. (Computer Science),
Meadville, PA S.O.S. Beach Party
Visit www.uncp.edu/advancement/sos for more information and to reserve your table!
Alumni Association
Board of Directors
2009-11
President
Floyd Locklear ‘86
1st Vice President
Sylvia Pate ‘99
2nd Vice President
Renee Steele ‘93
Immediate Past President
Jason Bentzler ‘96
Executive Director
James Bass ‘94, ‘03
Board Members
Willie D. Christian ‘96
Carlton Cole ‘99, ‘07
Mickey Gregory ‘88
Adam Hardin ‘06
Wendy Hedgpeth ‘91
Henry “Hank” Lewis Jr. ‘00
Patricia Locklear ‘98
Rudy Locklear ‘06
Sheila Swift ‘03
Aaron Thomas ‘99
Greetings Alumni,
It’s with great pride that the UNCP Alumni Association
welcomes our new Chancellor Dr. Kyle Carter! We are excited
that he will be part of our University family, and we look
forward to our relationship together. We also want to thank
Dr. Charles Jenkins for his hard work and dedication to the
University during this period of transition. We appreciate your
guidance and leadership.
There is no shortage of excitement on our campus. The
University celebrated its biggest commencement in history on May 8 when the UNCP
Alumni Association welcomed 613 new members into our family. We wish you all the
best as you leave UNCP and move out into the world. We hope you will return often
for visits – and don’t forget, Homecoming is October 30!
Remember to keep in touch. It only takes a few minutes to join the Alumni
Association’s Facebook page, which is linked to our Web site (www.uncp.edu/alumni),
and while you’re there, you can update your contact information and share your latest
news here in UNCP Today. Keeping in contact with your college friends and your alma
mater is the first step in being an active member of your alumni association.
Finally, we want our alumni to come back to campus. Fall is just around the corner,
and we hope you will visit during this vibrant and energy-filled time to experience the
excitement. Check out the incredible 2010-11 season at Givens Performing Arts Center,
tailgate with us during football or just come back to say hi to old friends. We hope to
see you soon!
In keeping the tradition,
Floyd H. Locklear
Floyd H. Locklear ‘86
P.S. In response to budget cuts, the University believes that cutting down to one printed
issue of UNCP Today per year is the responsible thing to do. To make sure you don’t
miss an issue, take a minute to visit www.uncp.edu/advancement/emailupdate/ and
submit your e-mail address.
Class Notes
Alumni may submit new
information about retirements,
births, marriages and job
changes by submitting
information via:
Office of Alumni Relations
P.O. Box 1510
Pembroke, N.C. 28372-1510
tel: 1-800-949-UNCP or
(910) 521-6533
email: alumni@uncp.edu
Web: www.uncp.edu/alumni
Alumni
32 UNCP Today Summer 2010
Alumni Highlights
Three UNCP alumni – all with the rank of major – reunited
at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort
Leavenworth, Kan.
Maj. Ira Baldwin ‘96 is a 26-year military veteran, Maj.
Reggie McClam ’97 has 12 years of service and Maj. Ryan
Foxworth ‘97 has 20 years of service. Baldwin and Foxworth
were commissioned through the University’s ROTC program
and McClam was commissioned through the U.S. Marine Corps
Officer Candidate School.
All are veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation
Enduring Freedom. The trio will take their combined experience
and new training to shape the military of the future.
• After he graduated on June 11, Maj. Baldwin was assigned
to the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry
Division at Camp Casey, Korea.
• Maj. Reggie McClam is assigned with the Marine Corps as a
military aide to the President in the White House.
• Maj. Ryan Foxworth is currently working to complete the
requirements and will graduate in December. After
graduation, Maj. Foxworth plans to serve as an instructor at
the college to develop and shape the field grade officers of
tomorrow.
The Command and General Staff College (USAC&GSC) at Fort
Leavenworth is an Army institution that functions as a graduate
school for the Armed Forces and foreign military leaders. It was
established in 1881 as a school for infantry and cavalry by Gen.
William Tecumseh Sherman. The development of the college
has parallels with the increasing professionalization of the Army,
reaching its present form in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and
the current war on terrorism.
The college educates and develops military and civilian
leaders for full spectrum joint, interagency and multinational
operations; acts as lead agent for the Army’s leadership
development program and advances the art and science of the
profession in support of Army operational requirements.
The Command and General Staff College is a 10-month
course for the intermediate level education of Army and other
service officers. Almost all Army officers who attain the rank of
major attend the school or its branch campuses at Fort Belvoir
and Fort Lee, Va., and Fort Gordon, Ga.
The 2010-11 class has an enrollment of more than 1,100
students, which is its largest class ever. All students are provided
the opportunity to pursue a graduate studies program through
several different universities or the resident School of Advanced
Military Studies, which awards a master’s degree in military
arts and sciences on studies of strategically and operationally
complex issues.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 33
Three Alumni reunite in the United States
Army
From left to right: Maj. Ira S. Baldwin, Maj. Reggie McClam and
Maj. Ryan Foxworth
Greg Taylor ’03 of Bladen County was named executive
director of the BRAC Regional Task Force (RTF) effective
July 1.
The BRAC RTF is a partnership of governments working
with 11 counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort
Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. Its mission is to coordinate
the planning and identify community impacts as U.S. Forces
Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command move to Fort
Bragg by 2011.
“Greg’s experience as chairman of our board, as a board
member, and as a former county commissioner in Bladen
County will serve him well in his new position,” said Tim
McNeill, BRAC RTF chairman of the board of directors, who
made the appointment.
Taylor will be responsible for the regional planning,
economic development, workforce development and
education programs currently funded by the U.S. Office of
Economic Adjustment (OEA), local governments in the Fort
Bragg region and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Most recently, Taylor served as director of the eight-county
Cape Fear Region of the Small Business and Technology
Development Center (SBTDC) headquartered at Fayetteville
State University. Before that he worked for the SBTDC at
UNCP’s Regional Center for Economic, Community and
Professional Development.
He earned his MBA at UNCP and his bachelor’s degree in
business from Campbell University.
Greg Taylor named BRAC RTF
executive director
Alumni Highlights
The N.C. Community College System State Board approved Richmond Community College Executive Vice President Dr. Dale McInnis ’90 as the next president of the college.
When he took office March 1, he became the seventh president since the college opened in 1964.
A native of Ellerbe, N.C., Dr. McInnis received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from UNCP, a master’s degree in business administration from Campbell University and a doctorate in higher education administration from NC State University.
He began his community college career in 1992 as a business instructor at Montgomery Community College (MCC) in Troy, N.C., and advanced there to become MCC’s vice president of administration. He joined South Piedmont Community College in Polkton, N.C., in 2001 as the vice president of administrative services.
In 2002, he became RCC’s vice president for administration and advanced to become the executive vice president. Although McInnis’ seven years at the college shortened his learning curve on how things operate, he admits he still has a lot to learn.
“I appreciate the history of this college and want to build upon it and look to the future for opportunities that allow us to expand our partnerships with the county commissioners, the public schools, local businesses and industries and with other agencies who work with us and with our students,” he said. “This is where I have always wanted to be.”
Former Chancellor Charles Jenkins, who is a Richmond County native, hailed the outstanding achievement of a UNCP graduate.
“We are very proud that an alumnus of UNC Pembroke has been selected to serve as president of Richmond Community College and wish him the very best,” Dr. Jenkins said. “Dale has a genuine interest in RCC, Richmond and Scotland counties and the entire region and will work hard to serve the needs of the area.
“His commitment to this region is most appreciated, and we at UNCP will work very closely with him and RCC’s faculty and staff,” he continued. “In fact, we have already moved forward on planning a new joint venture in higher education leadership development.”
Dr. Irene Aiken ‘93, associate dean of UNCP’s School of Graduate Studies, was a high school classmate at Richmond County High School.
“Dale and I were friends in high school and college,” Dr. Aiken said. “Richmond Community College is fortunate to have someone with his knowledge and experience.
“His heart is in the right place,” she continued. “He will have a positive impact on the college and our community.”
“Personally, it makes me feel very proud to receive the support and encouragement from people I’ve known for many years and from those whom I have just met. I am thankful for a Board of Trustees who has confidence in me and who will support me. RCC is fortunate to have such an engaged and committed Board,” said McInnis.
Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, community college board chair said, “In approving Dr. McInnis as the new president of Richmond Community College, the state board is pleased to recognize the achievements and leadership of someone who has ‘grown up’ in our system. We look forward to watching how he, his trustees and his faculty and staff shape the future of RCC.”
Dr. Scott Ralls, N.C. Community College System president, said, “Dr. Dale McInnis is an excellent choice for president of Richmond Community College. His history in the community and his experience at the college has laid a strong foundation for his ability to lead RCC to continued success.”
About 28 former baseball players gathered in April. A reception at the new Holiday Inn Express was followed by golf and an afternoon game at Cox Stadium.
“The reunion was everything I had hoped for,” said Geoff Bennett ‘90. “Everyone was happy to see each other.”
“I only played for two years, but those two years transformed my life,” said Alan Wildes ’92. “Doc (coach Danny Davis) had a huge impact on me.”
Bennett said he and Wildes made plans for the reunion early in the year.
“I had not been back since I graduated in 1990, but I had a few contacts already,” he said. “Being in British Columbia didn’t seem to matter, and I soon had a list of 70 from the 1986-90 teams.”
Bennett said he hoped that the spring reunion lead to another reunion at Homecoming.
“It’s important to remember great friends and great times, especially as we get busy raising our own families and building careers,” Bennett said. “The reunion went well and I can’t wait for the next time I see all of my friends again.”
Standing (L-R): Danny Davis, Jeff Nance, Paul Hodges, Rusty Chambers, Casey Roberts, Eric Hudson, Hugh Cannady, Keith Ransom, Andrew Hammonds, Billy Gaskins, Cedric Locklear and Jay Shotwell
Kneeling (L-R): Dwight Donaldson, Ronnie Hobbs, Geoff Bennett, Billy Gover, Rusty Cranson, Rene Choim and Alan Wildes
34
UNCP Today
Summer 2010
McInnis approved as new Richmond Community College president
Doc Davis Era Baseball Alumni Reunite at UNCPGIVING TO UNCP: Stadium Brick Campaign
There are a number of ways to inscribe your name on the UNCP campus. This campaign will raise funds for the
UNCP Football Program. Choose between a 4” x 8” brick for $250 or an 8” x 8” brick for $500 with your name
and message. Leave your legacy at the Grace P. Johnson Football Stadium and support the Braves. The bricks will
be displayed in the Curt & Catherine Locklear Legacy Courtyard outside the stadium. These bricks make a great gift
for parents, students, alumni and friends.
To order your brick, or for more information, please contact the
Alumni Relations Office at (910) 521-6533.
Giving to UNCP: Heritage Society Newsletter Published
UNCP’s Advancement Office proudly announces the release of Circles, a
biannual Heritage Society newsletter whose name is meant to evoke the
symbolism of the circle of life. UNCP’s Heritage Society recognizes donors who
have included the University in their will or estate plan.
Circles focuses on the many ways you can benefit the people and causes you
love through charitable giving. It also introduces planning strategies that fit your
financial goals at any stage of life. Our spring 2010 issue includes a Heritage
Member Spotlight on Gifts of Stock with Louis Oxendine of Pembroke, N.C. in
addition to info

Summer
2010UNCP Today
Summer 2010
Editor
Amber Rach
News Writer
Scott Bigelow
Art Director
R. Jerrod Hatfield ‘06
Web Publisher
Lawrence Locklear ‘05
Photographers
Bobby Ayers
Raul Rubiera
Class Notes
James Bass ‘94, ‘03
Vice Chancellor, University and
Community Relations
Glen G. Burnette Jr., Ed.D. ‘80, ‘87
UNCP Today magazine is published three times
a year for alumni and friends of the University
by the Division for University and Community
Relations. UNCP is a constituent institution of
the University of North Carolina.
Editorial Offices
UNCP Today
University and Community Relations
P.O. Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
tel: (910) 521-6249
email: relations@uncp.edu
web: www.uncp.edu/relations
Class Notes
Office of Alumni Relations
P.O. Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
tel: (910) 521-6533
email: alumni@uncp.edu
Web: www.uncp.edu/alumni
UNCP Web Site
www.uncp.edu
Chancellor
Kyle R. Carter
Board of Trustees
Freda Porter ‘78
Chair
Breeden Blackwell ‘68
Robin Cummings
Arlinda Locklear
Donna Lowry
Thomas Nance ‘69
Raymond Pennington
Lorna Ricotta ‘01, ‘08
Newy Scruggs ‘94
Dick Taylor
Alan Thompson ‘85
Paul Willoughby ‘74
Rigoberto “Arjay”
Quizon
On The Cover
Chancellor
Kyle R. Carter
page 4
3 University News
18 Faculty/Staff News
24 Athletics
28 Advancement
32 Alumni News
36 Class Notes
Inside
Chancellor’s Welcome
It is an honor to offer greetings to our alumni and friends from
the pages of UNCP Today.
I would like to thank all the good people on campus and in
the community who have graciously welcomed Sarah and me to
Pembroke. In the next few months, I hope to meet many more of
you. This is an institution with many wonderful friends, and I am
eager to hear your stories.
It has been a smooth transition to Pembroke. I have Dr. Charles
Jenkins to thank for his excellent work as interim chancellor during
2009-10 and for his help in the transition. His assistance has been
invaluable, and he has played yet another important role in the
history of the University.
My election as chancellor was a wonderful day for me and for my family. I was attracted to
UNCP initially by the genuineness of the search committee, who made Pembroke’s story very
real and exciting. Like any great story, I hope to spend time listening and learning from the
Pembroke story.
This is an institution with a unique and remarkable history. For more than 123 years, the
University has served this community as an engine of opportunity. I promise that will not change
during my tenure.
I will need the assistance of the entire Pembroke community to chart the future course of the
University. I pledge, first and foremost, to honor and preserve the essential values of the past.
Change has become a way of life here during the last decade, and the demands of the future are
pressing. Because of growth on Ft. Bragg and pending federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, it
appears the future is bright for the region and the University that serves it.
Looking into the not too distant future, two new construction projects are poised to break
ground. A new residence hall is always welcome news because it improves the quality of
student life. A new allied health building will be home to our nursing programs. It will also be
home to new programs that will contribute to building a healthier community.
Uplifting the region’s health, education and welfare is an important mission for the
University. Many powerful tools and connections are in place to make this a reality. The
most important thing we can do to help our region is to continue becoming the best regional
university that we can be.
With the start of the fall semester a short time away, I am getting excited to see the faces of
our students. Classrooms, sidewalks and sporting events full of students are satisfying sights.
There is so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to. I look forward, especially,
to seeing our alumni and friends throughout the year. Please enjoy this publication and stay
connected to your University.
Sincerely,
Chancellor
2 UNCP Today Summer 2010
University News
Senior mass communication major Jenna Walters was
crowned Miss UNCP 2010 in front of an enthusiastic audience of
1,000 in the Givens Performing Arts Center.
Walters represented the University at the Miss North Carolina
Pageant in June.
From Raeford, N.C., Walters bested five contestants to win the
Miss UNC Pembroke Scholarship Pageant. For the winner, the
title brings nearly $5,000 in scholarships and prizes.
For Walters, it was her second trip to the Miss North Carolina
Pageant. As Miss Fayetteville, she competed in 2007.
The 58th annual pageant sported the theme, “I Am What I
Am,” and was a night of star-studded entertainment. Reigning
Miss North Carolina Katherine Southard and Miss North Carolina
2000 Lorna Ricotta served as Mistresses of Ceremonies and
performed.
Miss UNCP 2009, Katy Helen Locklear, also performed
the pageant theme song and delivered the traditional farewell
address. Locklear will be remembered as a popular and hard-working
queen, who made more than 100 appearances as an
ambassador of the University.
Walters set the bar high during the talent portion of the
contest when she lit up the audience with a rendition of “Brave.”
Walters’ platform is HEARTStrings: Helping Educate and Reach
through Song.
“I help children express themselves through music,” she said
during the on-stage interview. “I start with their feelings and
senses, then we express it with music and song.”
First Runner-up was Arlene Grady of Spring Hope, N.C.;
Second Runner-up was Ashton Young of Garner, N.C.; and Third
Runner-up was Kelsey Cummings of Pembroke. Each contestant
was awarded a scholarship.
Grady also won the Miss Congeniality Award and Walters
won the Jessica Reed Family Community Service Scholarship.
Ashton Young won the new Scholastic Achievement Award for
the contestant with the highest grade point average.
The talent competition showed off the diverse talents of the
six contestants. Cummings played a piano rendition of a Chopin
piece and Chelsea Collier of Fayetteville, N.C., played the violin.
Mary Ann McGirt of Laurinburg, N.C., and Young clogged.
Clogging may evoke traditional mountain folklore but this pair
took the art form to an all new level in the 21st century.
In the audience were approximately two dozen other queens
and princesses who participated in the pageant. Also attending
was Alan Clouse, executive director of the Miss North Carolina
Pageant.
In an interview following the event, Walters said she will
“work harder and practice my poise and elegance. I’m ready to
go back in the spotlight.”
Jenna Walters crowned 2010 Miss UNCP
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 3
Miss
UNCP
2010
Jenna Walters, Miss UNCP, with
2009 winner Katie Locklear, right
In Durham, N.C., on April 9, the UNC Board of Governors
unanimously approved Dr. Kyle R. Carter as the University’s fifth
chancellor. This followed more than a year of searching for a new
leader after the appointment of Dr. Charles R. Jenkins as interim
chancellor.
An Atlanta, Ga., native and 62, Chancellor Carter comes to
Pembroke from Western Carolina University (WCU) where he
was provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, a
post he had held since 2004.
Dr. Carter’s tenure in Pembroke began on July 1. He arrived
with outstanding credentials, brilliant recommendations and
high expectations, and he immediately began the process of
introducing himself and his family to the community.
Hailed by UNC President Bowles as a “strong, effective and
experienced leader for UNC Pembroke,” Chancellor Carter is a
35-year veteran of higher education. He has experience in North
Carolina, the UNC system and with regional universities in rural
communities like Pembroke.
After earning a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in
educational psychology, Dr. Carter began his career on the
faculty of Valdosta State College.
In 22 years at Northern Colorado University, he earned faculty
tenure, the rank of full professor, and ended his career there as
associate vice president for Research and Graduate Studies and
dean of the graduate school.
Before coming to North Carolina as Western Carolina’s first
provost, he served the University of Central Missouri as provost
and vice president for academic affairs.
When introducing Dr. Carter, Dr. Freda Porter ‘78, chair of
both the Chancellor Search Committee and the Board of Trustees,
said he is a “dynamic leader with a searing vision for UNCP.”
In recommending Dr. Carter to the Board of Governors,
President Bowles said “Kyle Carter brings to the task more
than three decades of academic and leadership experience at
respected public universities, including one of our own UNC
institutions. At each step along the way, he has proven himself to
be an engaged and effective leader who promotes collaboration
and strategic thinking, academic excellence and student
success. He has also earned a reputation for great integrity,
sound judgment and an unwavering commitment to community
engagement and outreach.
“I am convinced that Kyle Carter brings the right mix of
experience, skills, and passion needed to be a truly great
chancellor for UNC Pembroke, and I am thrilled that he has
agreed to join our leadership team,” Bowles concluded.
In her remarks to the Board of Governors in Durham and later
at a reception in Pembroke, Dr. Porter praised the 16-member
search committee for its work over nine months.
Dr. Porter invoked UNCP’s proud 123-year history, saying Dr.
Carter is a leader who will continue to “foster UNCP’s unique
cultural diversity and the vision of the founders.”
“Today marks the beginning of a new era,” Dr. Porter said.
“We believe that we have in Dr. Carter a leader with integrity
who will advocate for the community and engage in significant
outreach.”
FIRST WORDS
Then, it was Chancellor Carter’s turn. He spoke to the Board
of Governors and at a press conference. Then, he traveled to
UNCP
4 UNCP Today Summer 2010
welcomes a
new leader
Chancellor Carter and wife Sarah at Lumbee Homecoming
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 5
Pembroke for meetings with key leaders,
a community-wide reception, a press
conference and dinner with executive
staff.
After thanking the Board of Governors,
Dr. Carter said it was “a great day in
my life and the life of my family. I am
absolutely thrilled by this appointment.
“I pledge to you that your decision
will be rewarded,” he continued. “I was
drawn to Pembroke initially by the search
committee, which made Pembroke’s story
a compelling one.
“UNC Pembroke is an institution with
a rich history,” Dr. Carter said. “For more
than 123 years, the University has served a
very diverse citizenry.
“I will invite the entire Pembroke
community to help chart the future course
of the University,” he said.
In the press conference that followed,
Dr. Carter started the conversation.
“I have had a great deal of experience
in dealing with change,” he said. “Base
realignment on Ft. Bragg and pending
federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe will
bring growth to the entire region.
“I am a good listener,” Dr. Carter
continued. “I am adaptable. If the course
I’ve set is not the right one, I am willing to
change.”
Dr. Carter introduced his family in
Durham and later in Pembroke. He and his
wife, Sarah, who is a former elementary
school teacher, have two children. Travis is
at the University of Chicago doing post-doctoral
work after earning a Ph.D. in
social psychology from Cornell University.
Heather, who was in attendance, works for
the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta
and is working on a doctorate in nutrition
at the University of Georgia.
Chancellor Carter has experience
working with American Indians. On the
list of people he met Friday was Lumbee
Tribal Chair Purnell Swett.
At WCU, Dr. Carter supervised
the Cherokee Task Force to promote
collaboration between the university
and tribe. One of those collaborations
included Wake Forest University in a
Cultural Health Care Initiative for rural
healthcare providers.
The chancellor has also been active
in the communities where he worked.
He volunteered with a variety of service
organizations including Upward Bound,
Q: You have worked as faculty and administration with several
regional universities. And, you have served as provost at two
institutions. How did those experiences prepare you for UNCP?
A: After working at four “AASCU institutions” (AASCU stands for the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities) for more
than 35 years as a faculty member and administrator, I have come to
realize that all state institutions are confronted with very similar issues.
However, each state institution deals with a different set of issues at
any particular time because of local circumstances and their own
development as an institution. So, my experiences elsewhere should
transfer smoothly to UNCP. However, I know and respect UNCP’s
wonderfully unique heritage and service to its region, and I don’t
assume that the solution I applied elsewhere is the right one for UNCP.
Q: What is the role of a regional university? And, can UNCP serve its
region more effectively in the future?
A: AASCU institutions were created by and for a region to educate the
local citizenry so they could improve their own condition. When taken
collectively, educated citizens create a more prosperous region. The
mission of regional institutions today remains the same as their historic
purpose, yet the role and scope has expanded. UNCP was founded
as a normal school to train American Indian teachers. Over the years,
the normal school transitioned to become UNCP, a regional university
that offers a large array of programs important to the region, and it now
serves all North Carolinians regardless of race within the region and
beyond. However, its link to its historic past remains a core value, and
its basic mission remains the same: educate the citizenry to improve
individual lives and the economic condition of the region it serves.
As UNCP looks toward the future, it will continue its original purpose,
providing academic programs important to the region, and it will
continue to offer itself as both a resource to the region and as a
convener of key constituencies to address regional needs. Although
universities aren’t specifically designed to resolve social and economic
issues of a region, they can provide intellectual capital and settings
where key stakeholders and decision makers can gather to address
problems. I anticipate UNCP’s outreach will increase in the region
by continuing to develop partnerships with local county and city
governments to address regional issues like capitalizing on economic
development with the BRAC corridor, achieving federal recognition for
the Lumbee Tribe and reducing the dropout rate in the public schools,
to mention just a few.
Q: Western Carolina University lists 120 programs among its
offerings, many more than UNCP. Do you foresee adding programs
and do you have any in mind?
A: As our involvement in the region grows, UNCP will add additional
programs to serve regional needs. That is inevitable. I don’t have
specific programs in mind, but we will regularly evaluate the region’s
needs to drive the University’s program creation.
QandAuensstwioenrss
(continued on page 6)
(continued on page 6)
6 UNCP Today Summer 2010
United Way and Habitat for Humanity, as
well as youth sports, Boy Scouts, Rotary
and school booster clubs.
He is also an experienced fundraiser.
Working with Northern Colorado’s first
capital campaign, he helped raise $11.5
million. At Central Missouri, Dr. Carter
worked closely with a $21 million
Campaign for Students. At WCU, he was a
member of the executive leadership team
for the successful $51.8 million capital
campaign that ended in October 2009.
IN PEMBROKE
In front of about 400 faculty, staff,
student and community guests at a late
afternoon reception at UNCP, it got more
personal for Chancellor Carter.
“I will spend the next several months
learning more about UNCP,” Dr. Carter
said. “I will rely on Chancellor Jenkins to
assist me in this transition.
“You don’t know me yet, but we will
get to know each other better over time,”
he promised.
Q: Our biggest challenge – improving
retention and graduation rates – is the
same one that plagues almost all regional
universities. How will we improve outcomes?
A: That is a very big and complex question!
If the answer were simple, someone would
have already addressed the problem. However,
former Chancellor Jenkins started a process
to address these issues last spring when he
presented a 25-point plan to the Board of
Trustees. His plan is an excellent start. What
I learned from my experience at WCU—we
worked on the same issue for the last three
years—is that improving retention and
graduation rates isn’t related to one or two
issues but depends upon improving multiple
routine practices and services. You have to
continue to do a lot of little things well over
a period of time before you see results. So,
universities must make sure that all of their
student services (e.g. advising, financial aid,
early alert systems for students in academic
trouble, tutoring, etc.) are working well. We
must make sure that faculty are focused on
student success, i.e. challenging students but
also providing the means for them to meet
expected outcomes. Finally, we must make
sure we recruit the right students, those who
are capable of success at UNCP, and they must
understand the type of experience that awaits
them when they arrive on campus.
Q: In a conversation, you mentioned
“branding” of a university in terms a little
different than the conventional marketing
concept we are familiar with. Can you explain
more?
A: Sure. Branding is the set of messages that an
organization uses to communicate its purpose,
values, and defining characteristics. All
members of the organization must understand
the brand and communicate consistent
messages to its target audiences. Branding is
extremely important to any organization and
relates to the last point I made in the previous
question: “We must make sure we recruit
the right students.” Let me illustrate my point
this way. A couple wishes to celebrate their
anniversary in a nice, quiet restaurant with
an intimate atmosphere. They also have a
few other criteria: white tablecloths, candle
light, healthy international cuisine, and a
good wine list. They find an ad for “European
Bistro” that advertises the following: Enjoy
unique international dishes in an intimate
setting suited to celebrating your special event.
Our complete wine list will complement
any meal. They decide to try it. Much to
their disappointment, the restaurant is noisy,
crowded and bright. The menu is limited with
mostly American dishes. And the wine list has
a limited selection of wines. The couple is very
disappointed and decides they will never come
back! Why? Because the advertising didn’t
truly represent the experience. Universities run
the same risk. If the actual experience doesn’t
match the brand promise (i.e. how universities
describe themselves when they recruit),
students will be disappointed and leave. So,
it is important to accurately portray UNCP
to potential students. When you do so, those
students who enroll have experiences that fit
what they expect to encounter. So, they are a
good fit for the institution and will persist until
graduation.
Q: At the town hall meeting in April, you said
that finding the right provost is of paramount
importance. What special qualities will you
look for in our next academic chief?
A: We’re in the process of developing a
complete job description for UNCP’s provost
position and have created a Web page to
keep people informed about the process of
the search. You might want to review the page
(www.uncp.edu/provostsearch/) to get a more
complete understanding of the importance
of the position as well as the attributes that
person must possess. However, I will give you
a couple of qualities that I consider absolutely
essential:
In a PowerPoint presentation, Dr.
Carter introduced his wife, who he met
at freshman orientation in college, his
children and family pet. He listed the five
reasons why he and his family wanted to
be a part of the Pembroke community.
On the list was: a beautiful campus;
people who care about their University;
diversity, which he said is “an asset of
limitless value;” the University’s mission to
uplift people’s lives in the region; and the
opportunity to share in UNCP’s future.
“What are we going to become?” he
asked. “We will chart that course together.
“The thing I will never change is the
history and culture of this University,” Dr.
Carter said.
Chancellor Carter met with
representatives of The Pine Needle and
WNCP-TV following the reception. He
revealed even more about himself and
how he will lead.
To a question about athletics and
UNCP’s new football team, Chancellor
Carter revealed that he is a sports fan.
QandAuensstwioenrss
(continued)
Chancellor Carter speaks to the Board
of Governors following his election.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 7
The Provost must:
• Be an academic leader who will advance
and expand the University’s academic
mission.
• Be capable of galvanizing the faculty to
initiate change to support and promote
higher levels of academic excellence.
• Be an individual who recognizes and
embraces the role of an engaged
comprehensive regional institution
as a catalyst for change and improvement
in the region it serves.
• Be committed to working within a policy
environment characterized by transparency
and integrity.
• Embrace diversity as a core value and
understand the role UNCP’s history has on
its institutional character.
Q: You have said you are a sports fan. Are
there additional opportunities for UNCP in
athletics?
A: Yes, I am a sports fan. I have been very
impressed with the success UNCP has had
in a variety of sports. A priority for UNCP
Athletics is to have all of our teams be part
of a conference. Dan Kenney and I have had
preliminary conversations about the need for
adding conference affiliation for football. We
are currently playing as a NCAA Division II
independent in football, and I look forward to
learning Pete Shinnick’s perspective. In regard
to other opportunities for UNCP, it is too early
for me to know. I need to learn more from
the coaches and students before I broach that
topic.
Q: You have met the Lumbee Tribal Chairman
Purnell Swett ‘57. What have you learned so
far about the tribe and its relationship with
UNCP?
A: First, I would like to comment on my
meeting with Chairman Swett. After I was
named Chancellor-Elect, I made a conscious
decision to meet with Mr. Swett before I
stepped on the UNCP campus. That meeting
was intended to do two things: (1) demonstrate
my respect for the Lumbee Tribe and the role
it has played in the history of UNCP, and (2)
begin a relationship with the Tribe through the
Chairman that will benefit both the Tribe and
UNCP. I found Mr. Swett to be very gracious
and forthcoming. I look forward to getting to
know him better and working with him in the
future. By the way, Mr. Swett is also a graduate
of Western Carolina. So, we have already
discovered common ground. Regarding what
I have learned about the Tribe...I have learned
that the relationship is deep and complex and
of great importance to both the University
and the Tribe. Whenever we can, Sarah and I
add to our knowledge about the culture and
significance of the Tribe to the University. For
example, we went to a Pow Wow in April
and Dr. Mary Ann Jacobs, Chair and Assistant
Professor of American Indian Studies, and her
student assistant, Sunshine Costanza, provided
an orientation for us. We have visited Mr. Curt
Locklear a couple of times in his True Value
store and listened to him recount important
events in his life as a citizen of Pembroke and
as a former student of Pembroke State College
for Indians. We have talked to people in Linda’s
and Sheff’s restaurants, about their University
and their hopes for the future. We know we
have a lot more to learn about the Lumbee and
their relationship to the University, but one
thing is very clear: The Lumbee have great
pride in UNCP and are fiercely loyal to its
mission.
Q: What will be the impact of federal
recognition of the Lumbees on the region and
on UNCP?
A: I don’t think anyone can fully understand
the impact of federal recognition. However,
it will be huge. First and foremost, it would
provide the Lumbee Tribe their rightful place
at the national table on issues of Indian affairs.
This intangible outcome may far exceed the
“I am not only a sports fan, but a
frustrated athlete with more than a few
broken bones to show for it,” he said. “I
will attend sporting events and not only
the major sports.”
To a question about growth and
construction, Chancellor Carter said
“UNC Pembroke is going to grow.”
“The corridor between Fayetteville
and Lumberton is growing,” he said.
“Construction is a positive sign, and
Pembroke is fortunate to get a new
nursing/health professions building and a
residence hall.”
To a question about support for the
arts, Chancellor Carter said the arts
are important to a University and the
surrounding community.
“Cultural entertainment is a sign of
vitality,” he said. “It adds to the student
experience. There are lots of reasons to
support the arts.”
Local and regional newspaper reporters
worked the crowd Friday afternoon and
the response to the new chancellor was
very positive.
Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Tony
Curtis told The Robesonian that he is
“impressed.”
“When he talks to you, you can tell
he’s through and through an academic
person, and the faculty love it,” Dr. Curtis
said.
Pine Needle Editor Wade Allen said
Chancellor Carter appears “goal driven.”
“He kept talking about gearing up for the
future, while retaining the past,” Allen
said.
Student Government President Arjay
Quizon, who was also on the Chancellor
Search Committee, described meeting Dr.
Carter to The Robesonian.
“On paper, he is very impressive,”
Quizon said. “You would think this guy is
too good to be true, but when you meet
him, he lives up to the expectation.
“He is very humble,” Quizon said.
“Hopefully, he’ll stick around for a very
long time.”
Staff Council Chair Andrea Branch
Chancellor Carter and his wife Sarah,
greeting at the Pembroke reception
following his election
(continued on page 8)
(continued on page 8)
tangible benefits of recognition. When federal
recognition happens, UNCP will feel the same
pride because the American Indian identity
runs deep in the historical roots of UNCP’s
history. Federal recognition would have a huge
economic impact on the region because the
Tribe would be eligible for federal programs
for education, health services, housing and
economic development. Pembroke and
Robeson County, in particular, but other
adjacent counties as well, would experience
the economic benefits. There would also be
more jobs as the Tribe expands its programs
and services. More jobs mean more spendable
income that would stimulate the creation
of more amenities for people in the region.
Within five years of recognition, the area
around UNCP could have more commerce and
housing. This fact alone would help UNCP as it
recruits new faculty and staff to the University.
I would love to see people begin to refer to
Pembroke as a university town where people
choose to live, work and play.
Q: You have said you are a good listener.
How do you describe your management and
decision-making style?
A: I use a team approach to manage an
organization. I work with a team to establish
priorities and then I charge them to lead and
manage their areas consistent with those
priorities. I strive for consensus, but don’t
believe in endless debates. I listen to the team’s
advice and counsel, make a decision, and
move on. I expect team members to operate
independently within the policy framework,
style and values that mark my administration.
A policy environment assures fairness and
consistency. It also promotes transparency and
accountability. I believe both are core values
of any successful organization that depends
upon shared governance and collegiality.
Similarly, open communication is another
trait that characterizes healthy organizations.
That is why I use town hall meetings to discuss
important issues with the campus. Finally, as
my administration puts plans into place, we
will monitor progress, seek feedback from the
campus, and deal with problems as they arise.
Our focus will always be on implementation,
assessment, and improvement.
Q: On a more personal note, what do you do
when you’re not on duty as chancellor?
A: Home renovation projects or working in
the yard are high on the list. I guess I am a
handyman of sorts and enjoy working with
my hands. Now that I live in the Chancellor’s
Residence, I don’t have that opportunity.
When Sarah and I take some vacation time
and visit our Sylva home in the mountains,
I’ll find something in the house and yard that
needs fixing. Sarah and I also like to travel with
friends and family. We especially enjoy Napa
Valley, Aruba or a cruise in the Caribbean.
Our best times are always with family. We try
to find times where we can get together either
at their homes or in our mountain home. We
cook together, play some golf, and usually
play cards or a cut-throat version of Mexican
Train dominoes. I also like to hike and fish—
especially for trout.
Q: What are some favorite books? What will
you read this summer?
A: I read a lot of different fiction, but my
main criterion is that it be a good story. If
inventoried, my reading list would be slanted
toward mysteries and spy novels. My favorite
authors are David Baldacci, Ken Follet, Nelson
DeMille, Frederick Forsyth, Daniel Silva, Tom
Clancy, Robert Ludlum, James Clavell, Michael
Crichton, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Lord
Jeffrey Archer. My all time favorite books are
“Pillars of the Earth,” “World without End,”
“The Power of One,” and “Shogun,” “The Lord
of the Rings” trilogy, the Harry Potter novels,
and Jimmy Carter’s “An Hour Before Daylight,”
the one non-fiction in the list.
QandAuensstwioenrss
(continued)
8 UNCP Today Summer 2010
spoke with The Fayetteville Observer after
a meeting with the Chancellor.
“He said he is here to learn, and I think
that is absolutely awesome,” Branch said.
“He hasn’t come here with a to-do list; he
has come with a clean slate.”
Maxine Locklear Amos, a community
member with historic ties to the University,
told The Robesonian she thinks Chancellor
Carter brings a good balance.
“I’m impressed that he doesn’t want
to forget the historical background of the
school,” Amos said. “He said he wants to
chart the future together.”
TOWN HALL
Before taking command on July 1,
Dr. Carter came to campus on several
occasions including a University-wide
town hall meeting on April 28. Early that
morning Kyle and Sarah Carter, dressed
less formally, took a walking tour of
campus.
“You will not see my car parked in
the reserved space outside Lumbee Hall
unless I have to leave campus that day,” he
said. “I will walk to work.”
Chancellor Carter met with
approximately 200 faculty, staff and
students.
The purpose of the event was to set
a course for the future of the University
and meet its new leader. Chancellor-elect
Carter outlined the search for a new
provost who will become the University’s
academic chief.
“A town hall meeting is the common
way I will bring issues to you,” he said
at the start. “Please ask questions and
make comments. Our success hinges on
understanding what the expectations are.”
Chancellor Carter made a point about
At the press conference in Durham with Dr. Porter and former Chancellor Jenkins
Right now, I am reading “Term Limits” by Vince
Flynn. As Chancellor, my reading of fiction
has slowed down, replaced by technical and
research reports on the University, higher
education and organizations and people who
have relationships with the University. Yet, I
end most evenings by reading a little before
ending the day.
Q: Your children are very successful. Heather
is working on a Ph.D. and Travis recently
earned his doctorate from Cornell University.
What is the secret of a successful family?
A: Sarah and I are very proud of our children
and are thankful for their success. We’ve
been fortunate that they have been great
people throughout their lives. Even during
the turbulent pre-teen and early teen years,
Heather and Travis were great. I don’t know
what made them turn out so well, but suspect
it had to do with a couple of things. Both Sarah
and I are educators and modeled success
and an achievement orientation. Sarah and
I were always a part of their lives, but never
tried to push or pry. We supported them in
whatever they wanted to do and cheered
them on in every activity from little league
baseball, softball, soccer, science fairs, plays,
and volleyball. We always made a point to
be there for them, celebrated their success,
and supported them when they lost or didn’t
perform well. I am very proud of the fact that
I never missed a single performance, match,
or game while Heather and Travis were in
high school. It took some juggling of my
schedule, but I was always able to manage.
Sarah and I continue to make family a priority
and make sure we are present during our
children’s special celebrations. Last, and
probably most important, I attribute their
success to the foundation Sarah provided our
children before they went to school. When
Heather was born, Sarah took time out from
teaching elementary school to become a
stay-at-home mom. She provided a nurturing
and supportive environment for Heather and
Travis for their first five years—before going
to kindergarten. When I came home in the
evening, I would often find Sarah reading to
Heather and Travis and find freshly baked
cookies in the kitchen that the three of them
had baked during the day. I don’t think you
can overestimate the importance of providing
a nurturing environment to children. We were
fortunate that Sarah could stay home. Other
working parents find other ways to create that
environment. The key is to make your children
a priority and support and nurture them.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 9
the balance between growth and retention
perfectly clear.
“We need to stop talking about
retention and start talking about success,”
he said. “We are going to grow. We will
not grow under my watch just for the sake
of growth, but incremental, purposeful
growth.”
He described his “style and
expectations.” Dr. Carter outlined several
key principals of leadership, including the
“select don’t settle” principles.
“Many times we settle for someone
rather than select the right person because
there is a fear of losing that position in the
budget,” the chancellor-elect said. “You
will not lose a position if you can’t find the
right person.”
Then, there are “high expectations.”
“I want to raise expectations for the
University and transfer that idea to our
students,” he said.
The “Nike rule” followed. “Just do it,”
he said regarding decision making.
The chancellor-elect said his
administration will be characterized by
transparency.
“Transparency builds trust and
ultimately leads to better decisions, Dr.
Carter said. “I will build an environment
built on honesty and integrity.”
PROVOST SEARCH
The search for a new provost will
be “open” and transparent, he said.
Chancellor Carter expects to have a new
provost by February 2011.
“Provost is a very important position
whose role is to advance the academic
mission of the University,” he said.
“The provost is first among equals who
will support and collaborate with the
vice chancellors to promote the entire
institution.”
A provost at UNCP should be visible,
embrace diversity and the University’s
core values, work with alumni and
the foundation as well as serve as the
academic leader, Dr. Carter said.
“This person should be someone who
matches my style and works well with all
the vice chancellors,” he said.
A broad-based search committee
will be formed by the start of the fall
semester. It will include faculty, staff
and community members. It will be an
“open search.”
In conclusion, the chancellor said
“we will do this again.”
Chancellor Carter speaks at town hall.
The past and future came together on
May 8, during Commencement 2010 for
613 graduates of the University.
It was an historic event that
witnessed the largest graduating class
in school history assembled for a Spring
Commencement. It was a day to chart
plans for the future for the graduates, the
University and the 17-member University
of North Carolina system.
During the ceremony, UNC President
Erskine Bowles received an honorary
Doctorate of Humane Letters. Within
six months, he will leave UNC for a
presidential appointment to co-chair
the National Commission on Fiscal
Responsibility and Reform.
UNCP is a “special university, a real
gem,” he said. In his final days with the
UNC system, Bowles pledged to fight for
public higher education in North Carolina
through challenging financial times.
“I promise you that I am going to spend
every minute I’ve got to make sure you
have the resources needed to continue
to provide quality education at this
University,” Bowles said.
President Bowles thanked Dr. Charles
Jenkins, who led the University as its
interim chancellor during the 2009-10
academic year. He said former Chancellor
Jenkins set the stage for UNCP’s next
chancellor to succeed.
“Chancellor Kyle Carter will be a
tremendous asset for this University,”
Bowles said. “He is going to take this
University to the next level.”
Dr. Jenkins also acknowledged leaving
the University at a crossroads.
“Over the next few weeks, there will
be much discussion regarding budgetary
matters ... there will be tough decisions,”
former Chancellor Jenkins said. “I hope
that everyone at this Commencement
today recognizes the value of this
institution and the UNC system in the
educational and economic development
of our region and state.”
If North Carolina and UNCP’s
graduates “continue making daily choices
aimed at achieving our goals … (we) will
revel in the joy of lives lived wisely,” he
said.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Commencement speaker Judge James
W. Oxendine has lived an exemplary
life. From Fairmont, N.C., he became
the first Lumbee Indian to graduate from
law school and the first American Indian
admitted to the Georgia Bar and to argue a
case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I hope you will not forget where you
came from,” Judge Oxendine advised. “It’s
great to be from North Carolina and great
to be from Robeson County.”
The retired Superior Court judge, who
counts one semester at UNCP on his
resume, said times may be challenging,
but “don’t let anyone tell you that you
cannot succeed.
“Remember that the difference
between mediocre and good is not much,”
Judge Oxendine continued. “I realized if
I worked harder and did better, I would
excel. You can do the same.”
In his introduction of Judge Oxendine,
University Attorney Joshua Malcolm ‘92
said he is “a professional and personal
role model.”
After Judge Oxendine’s speech,
Chancellor Jenkins said, “You have made
a statement with your life about how
someone from Robeson County can
succeed.”
Success was on the minds of UNCP’s
graduates who focused on their futures.
Their plans were as diverse as the student
body itself.
LOOKING AHEAD
Three generations of Traci Johnson’s
family, including her grandmother,
Pauline, and parents, Franklin and
Carolyn, were on hand to watch her
receive a Master of Arts in Education. Like
Judge Oxendine, she is from Fairmont,
and she was a first generation college
graduate.
“None of it was easy,” said the first
grade teacher. “If I had it to do again, I
wouldn’t change anything.”
Johnson said National Board
Certification is the next step in her
continuing education.
Husband and wife, Nadine and Elliot
Samuel were all smiles as they graduated
together. Two of their four children
attended.
“We plan to get a master’s degree in
public administration at UNCP,” Nadine
10 UNCP Today Summer 2010
UUnniivveerrssiittyy N Neewwss
Largest graduating class
earned their diplomas
at Commencement 2010
Commencement Crossroads
Samuel said. “We love it here; that’s why we are continuing here.”
The question of who was the better student brought laughs. Elliot graduated Summa Cum Laude and Nadine, Magna Cum Laude.
“It was crazy,” Nadine said. “We pushed each other, especially in the classes we took together.”
“I would say we excelled in our own special areas,” Samuel Elliot said.
Ava Walker’s grandchild was in the audience Saturday. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication.
“How did I do this?” Walker laughed. “Prayer and no home cooking. But we survived.”
The new graduate hopes to turn an internship at a local radio station into a full-time “on-air” job.
Tiffany Lee, a psychology major who worked throughout college, has an ambitious plan.
“I am moving to Atlanta to start an organization for young women called Opened Cocoon,” Lee said. “I plan to get a graduate degree in counseling and a Ph.D. in divinity with a concentration in counseling.”
LARGE ATTENDANCE
Approximately 5,000 attended the ceremony on a warm, sunny and breezy morning. Commencement was held on Lumbee Guaranty Field in the Grace P. Johnson Stadium.
Dr. Beth Maisonpierre, a 25-year member of the Music Department faculty, was grand marshal. During the ceremony, she received the UNC Board of Governors Award for Teaching Excellence from Dr. Cheryl Marvileane Locklear, a member of the UNC Board of Governors and a 1975 graduate.
The Rev. Chris Hunt of the Berea Baptist Church delivered the invocation.
Greetings during Commencement were provided by Dr. Locklear, Dr. Freda Porter ‘78 on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Anthony Curtis on behalf of the faculty, Arjay Quizon on behalf of the students and Floyd Locklear ’86 on behalf of the Alumni Association.
Summer 2010
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University News12 UNCP Today Summer 2010
UUnniivveerrssiittyy N Neewwss
Founder’s Day was celebrated on March 17 in the Paul R.
Givens Performing Arts Center.
It was the University’s 123rd year, and University officials said
the event is a prelude to a far bigger 125th celebration.
Approximately 200 relatives of founders and early graduates
of the University attended the mid-morning event. Founder’s Day
2010 honored the founding Board of Trustees and University
graduates up to the class of 1950.
Dr. Gilbert Sampson ‘58, retired chair of UNCP’s Mathematics
and Computer Science Department, is related to four of the seven
founders, including one of the first students, O.R. Sampson.
“This was very informative and a great thing for the University
and the community,” Dr. Sampson said. “This is a good day.”
Wendy Moore is a descendant of W.L. Moore, the man who
was hailed as a “founder, erector, teacher.”
“I thought I knew a lot about this University, but I learned a
lot today,” Moore said. “I’m glad I came.”
Magnolia Oxendine Lowry, a retired faculty member, is also
related to several of the founders.
“I never realized there was so much history here,” Lowry said.
“I am ever grateful to the founders.”
The University was founded in 1887, said Dr. Linda Oxendine
‘68, the retired chair of the American Indian Studies Department
and co-author of the centennial history of the University.
“W.L. Moore and Hamilton McMillan shared a vision for this
University,” she said. “The history of this institution is so unlike
any other.
“That this University had Indian control is what made it so
visionary,” Dr. Oxendine said. “I think that having local control
was key.”
State Representative McMillan authored a bill to appropriate
$500 to pay faculty of the school, but it was up to the local
American Indian community to purchase land and building
materials and erect the first buildings.
“The $500 appropriation was for salaries and came with the
stipulation that the community would provide the buildings or
the legislation would be repealed during the next session of the
legislature,” Dr. Oxendine said.
Dr. Oxendine and Lawrence Locklear ‘05, a member of the
Founder’s Day Planning Committee, discussed the early history.
Former Chancellor Charles Jenkins, who has worked 38 years at
the University, welcomed guests to the Founders Day celebration
of 123 years of the school’s history.
“This is a seminal event that we hope will become an annual
event,�� former Chancellor Jenkins said. “We all have a great deal
to celebrate, and this event will lead up to a larger celebration of
the 125th year.”
Former Chancellor Jenkins said the school’s founding and
history speak to the “courage, tenacity and strength of our
founders.
“The founders of this University were men of good will,” he
said. “The Lumbee Indian community, which built this University,
are people of good will.”
Speakers offered their thoughts and shared their personal
histories with the University.
Dr. Cheryl Locklear ‘75, former trustee and member of the
UNC Board of Governors, said “there is no university in America
with a more unique history or a story so compelling.”
“The founders may have lived in a place that people
considered poor, but their ideas were rich with possibilities,” Dr.
Locklear said. “There is no limit to what can be done if we are
willing to do the hard work, fight the good fight and believe in
ourselves.”
Dr. Locklear noted that her parents and daughter are
graduates also.
Dr. Freda Porter ‘78, a faculty member and chairwoman of
the Board of Trustees, called the founders’ work an “unrelenting
personal sacrifice.”
“The history of our University is a story of ordinary people
UNCP celebrates its founding 123 years ago
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 13
University News
The University will host two Doctor of Education
(Ed.D.) programs offered by East Carolina University
beginning in August 2010.
The programs – higher education and K-12
administration – drew considerable interest and have
formed cohorts. Classes will be held at UNCP and
supported with the latest, state-of-the-art instructional
technology.
According to ECU’s College of Education, the Ed.D.
program in higher education administration prepares
experienced leaders for senior and executive leadership in
community colleges, private and public universities and
other academic organizations.
“The degree is designed to develop and foster
leadership skills for individuals to resolve educational
problems and issues,” said ECU faculty member Dr. Bill
Grobe.
The 60-hour program includes study of leadership
theory, finance, human resources development,
organizational theory, policy analysis, planning studies,
curriculum, instructional leadership and political systems
analysis.
For UNCP and ECU, the doctoral program is the latest
collaboration in school leadership. From the mid-1990s
through 2003, ECU worked with UNCP in offering the
master of school administration program, which UNCP
continued since that time.
The doctoral program offers important education in
leadership for UNCP’s region, said former Chancellor
Charles Jenkins, who worked with ECU on the previous
school leadership program as UNCP’s provost and taught
in the program for 10 years.
“Our continuing partnership with ECU has been a great
benefit to UNCP and our region of the state,” Dr. Jenkins
said. “We are excited to help provide this opportunity.”
Dr. Leah Fiorentino, dean of UNCP’s School of
Education, said the training and research that emanates
from the Ed.D. program will benefit the region greatly.
“Eighty individuals have showed interest in joining the
cohort so far,” Dr. Fiorentino said. “We are pleased to be
able to work with ECU.”
The program requires a minimum of 60 semester
hours beyond a master’s degree, a dissertation and a
supervised internship. Level I licensure in administration
or supervision is also required for admission to the K-12
administration cohort.
To be admitted, applicants must take the GRE or
MAT, submit references, complete transcripts and a
writing sample, complete an interview, have leadership
experience and a 3.5 GPA or better in graduate work.
ECU and UNCP collaborate to offer
two doctoral programs in education
with extraordinary ambitions,” Dr. Porter said.
“By celebrating our history, we honor ourselves, and we have
much to celebrate at UNCP,” Dr. Porter said. “Many life changing
opportunities were made possible by attending this University.”
Student Government President Arjay Quizon drew a parallel
between his parents’ immigration to the U.S. and the quest for a
better life that University founders dared to dream.
“My family moved here for a chance at a better life,”
Quizon said. “The same goes for the founders who hoped this
University would provide an opportunity for a better life for this
community.”
Purnell Swett ’57, chair of the Lumbee Tribe, called the
University’s history one of “123 years of service.”
“This University is a great source of pride for the Lumbee
community,” Swett said. “So long as this University flourishes, so
will the Lumbee Tribe.”
Dr. Anthony Curtis, chair of the Faculty Senate, brought
greetings from the faculty.
“This is a time to reflect on our University’s history and its
mission for the future,” Dr. Curtis said. “The faculty gives you its
pledge to continue the hope, excitement, promise, pride, purpose
and accomplishments.”
Floyd Locklear ’86, president of the Alumni Association,
thanked the audience for “celebrating 123 years of education.
“This is a time to find out about this University’s history, and
I encourage you to get involved and give back to its future,”
Locklear said.
“courage, tenacity
and strength,”
- Former Chancellor Jenkins
Donna Lowry, president and CEO of Caring Touch Home
Healthcare of Pembroke, was named Business Person of the Year,
and Pembroke Hardware was named Business of the Year at the
14th annual Business Visions Awards Banquet on April 29.
Diane Surgeon, who has launched several businesses for
senior citizens, was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Dan Kenney,
UNCP’s athletic director, was the recipient of the Collie Coleman
Spirit of Unity Award.
Outstanding Student Awards went to Caroline Sumpter,
a business student at Robeson Community College (RCC),
Katherine McGinniss, a Master of Business Administration (MBA)
candidate at UNCP, and Peter J. Skeris, a candidate for the Master
of Public Affairs (MPA) degree at UNCP.
Curt Locklear ‘49, founder of the 50-year-old Pembroke
Hardware, accepted the award with his wife, Catherine, and
family looking on.
“I feel insufficient,” Locklear said. “The kids deserve this more
than I do because they have done it all in the last few years.”
Pembroke Hardware, a True Value Hardware affiliate, and
Pembroke Building Supply moved to a large new store in 2006.
Donna Lowry started her home healthcare and behavioral
counseling business in 2005 and now has 600 employees. She is
a philanthropist and member of UNCP’s Board of Trustees.
In her introduction, Beth Wilkerson ‘90, assistant director of
UNCP’s Small Business and Technology Development Center
(SBTDC), called Lowry a “fierce competitor and a warm and
compassionate person.”
Lowry thanked her family, the University and SBTDC, who
consulted during the business start-up.
“I have a lot of people to thank,” Lowry said. “I didn’t do this
by myself.”
An attorney, Diane Surgeon said she saw a need for legal and
other services for seniors.
“I am excited by the opportunity to serve people,” Surgeon
said. “My role is to help seniors at an important time in their
lives.”
Surgeon, who also consulted with SBTDC, started two
businesses: Comfort Care Senior Services and Elder Law Care,
and is planning a day care for seniors.
Dan Kenney has been busy at UNCP, where he launched a
football program, and in the community, where as past president
of the Robeson Road Runners, he helped launch two major
events, the Chevy to the Levy and Rumba on the Lumber road
races and festivals.
“It takes a team with a vision,” Kenney said. “I would like to
thank Business Visions for celebrating Robeson County’s success
stories.”
RCC’s Outstanding Business Student is an outstanding student,
said George Pate of the business faculty. Carolina Sumpter is also
a mother and employed full-time as a branch manager for H&R
Block.
UNCP’s Outstanding MBA Student is also an outstanding
student, said Dr. Howard Ling, program director. Katherine
McGinniss is director of the medical library at Southeastern
Regional Medical Center in Lumberton, N.C.
UNCP’s Outstanding MPA Student is a battalion chief for the
Charlotte, N.C., Fire Department, said Dr. Dan Barbee, program
director. Peter Skeris is a former New York City law enforcement
officer.
Former Chancellor Jenkins addressed the banquet, which
was held in the Regional Center for Economic, Community and
Professional Development at COMtech. As the vice chancellor for
Academic Affairs at the University, he helped found the center.
“One of the greatest things we can do is celebrate the
successes of our citizens,” former Chancellor Jenkins said.
“Entrepreneurship adds to the quality of life in our region, and
the University has taken many steps to promote economic
development.
“This is not a narrow focus for us that is limited to the business
school,” he said. “Last winter, we graduated the first group with
entrepreneurship certificates. They were drawn from majors across
campus.”
UNCP’s Thomas Center for Entrepreneurship, SBTDC,
Biotechnology Center and the Regional Center, host of the
Business Visions program, all work to promote economic
development, Dr. Jenkins said.
“There is wonderful potential for entrepreneurship at the
University, and if we’re going to grow and prosper in Southeastern
North Carolina, it will come through education,” he said.
Keynote speaker was entrepreneur, motivational speaker and
author Kelly Castor.
Sponsors for the event included Lumbee Guaranty Bank, BB&T,
Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation, Southeastern
Regional Medical Center, Robeson County Committee of 100 and
SBTDC.
BUSINESS VISIONS: Robeson’s outstanding business people honored
14 UNCP Today Summer 2010
UUnniivveerrssiittyy N Neewwss
Donna Lowry
Curt Locklear
Curt Locklear and family receive Business of the
Year Award
Dan Kenney
Diane Surgeon
Dr. Malinda Maynor Lowery introduced her newly published book, “Lumbee Indians in the Jim Crow South: Race, Identity, and the Making of a Nation” (UNC Press; 2010; 339 pages), on April 13 at the Chancellor’s Residence.
Dr. Lowery’s appearance was a part of the Native American Speaker Series, sponsored by the American Indian Studies Department and Office of Academic Affairs.
The book tells the story of a formative era of the Lumbee Tribe by the UNC-Chapel Hill historian, who is a member of the tribe. “Lumbee Indians in the Jim Crow South” is often a personal look at a harsh time that includes references and photos of family and friends living in a close-knit community.
The setting for the reading and book signing was also very personal. Dr. Lowery’s husband, Willie Lowery; parents Waltz and Louise Maynor; two sisters, Dr. Cherry Beasley and Lucy Maynor; and many friends were among the 85 in attendance at the Chancellor’s Residence for the reading and book signing.
Dr. Lowery said “Lumbee Indians in the Jim Crow South” is her effort to “pay forward the blessings” she has received from her family and community because she will “never be able to pay them back.”
“The story I tell in this book is not always pretty, but I think it’s an honest story,” she said. “It’s about how a group of Native Americans carved out a place for themselves with an iron-sided wall in place between the races.
“White supremacy was a fact of life” in the era, she said.
Dr. Lowery earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, a master’s degree in documentary filmmaking from Stanford University and a master’s degree and doctorate in history from UNC-Chapel Hill. The book was derived from her dissertation, although a more personal version.
There are four layers of identity among the Lumbee, Dr. Lowery maintains:
• First, there is kinship, or “who’s your people” as the local saying goes;
• Second, there is place, or “where do you stay” in terms of church and community;
• Third, tribe; and
• Fourth, race.
Dr. Lowery carefully described several archival photos of school students and family members that she distributed via handout to the audience. The pictures, also included in her book, are archetypes of a time long gone.
“This is the picture of poverty amidst affluence all around,” she said of a photo of a woman and her two children in the family kitchen that is lined with advertising posters, probably put there to block cold wind.
The complexities of race, blood quantum, tribal government and federal recognition were outlined as they shaped the tribe’s identity over time.
Using photographs, letters, genealogy, federal and state records and first-person family history, Dr. Lowery demonstrates how the Lumbees challenged the boundaries of Indian, Southern and American identities.
The era depicted in the book begins and ends with great triumphs in Lumbee history - the story of Henry Berry Lowry’s war against tyranny during the Civil War and Reconstruction and the 1958 rout of the Ku Klux Klan.
“I wrote this book for my people to remind ourselves of how we can divide and unify ourselves in the face of threat,” she concluded.
Dr. Rose Stremlau, a faculty member in UNCP’s American Indian Studies Department, was Dr. Lowery’s roommate in Chapel Hill as the book came together. She introduced her friend.
“Malinda was close-up to the conversations…around the kitchen table and in the tobacco fields,” Dr. Stremlau said. “She struggled to tell this story.
“Her people are on every page,” she said. “She is passionate about the well-being of her people.”
Former UNCP Chancellor Joseph Oxendine, a Lumbee, was in the audience. He said he is in one of the book’s photos.
“It’s a fascinating story,” Dr. Oxendine said. “I am pleased with what she’s doing to remind us of our identity and to be proud of it.”
Lumbee historian described her new book at UNCP
Summer 2010
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15
University News
Dr. Lowery signs books for, on the left, Dr. Cheryl Locklear ‘75, a member of the UNC Board of Governors, and Magnolia Lowry, a retired faculty member.
Dr. Lowery describing several archival photos.Student publications rake in awards in 2010
UNCP Today Summer 2010
The student newspaper, literary
magazine and yearbook won top honors
in competitions against many of North
Carolina’s largest and most prestigious
universities.
The Pine Needle’s Web site was
named Best of Show Online News Site
by the North Carolina College Media
Association (NCMA) in a competition
with North Carolina colleges and
universities of more than 6,000
students.
The Aurochs literary magazine
won Best of Show for a Literary
Magazine in the same competition.
Its editor was Stephanie Heather
Leigh Ann Hammond.
Adam Tex Hill won first place
for his work of nonfiction for the
magazine. Craig Wilson won
honorable mention for fiction.
The Indianhead yearbook won
two honorable mention awards in
the Media Association contest: Joel Beachum
for photography and 2010 Editor Tiffany
Schmidt for student life copy.
The 2009 edition of The Indianhead
yearbook, won first place with “special merit”
in the American Scholastic Press Association’s
annual contest.
UNCP and Clemson University scored
highest in the yearbook competition. The
Indianhead received 965 out of a possible
1,000 points.
The awards were presented at the NCMA
conference in late February. It was the first year
for the contest.
Dr. Judy Curtis, a faculty member in the
Department of Mass Communication, has
served as faculty advisor to The Pine Needle
for eight years.
“We are thrilled with this statewide
recognition for our students,” Dr. Curtis said.
“They devote tremendous time and take pride
in making The Pine Needle print edition and
its Web site great sources for excellence in
news coverage.
University News
16
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 17
“Last year, the paper won first place
and Outstanding Sports Section from the
American Scholastic Press Association.”
The Aurochs is UNCP’s annual student
publication of poetry, art and literature.
Dr. Karen Helgeson, a faculty member in
the English and Theatre Department, has
served as the publication’s only faculty
advisor during its nine years of existence.
The Pine Needle Web editor is Shawn
McCain, a junior computer science
major from Laurinburg, N.C. The assistant
Web editor is Chang Lin, a sophomore
computer science major, also from
Laurinburg.
McCain’s newest development for
the Web site is an RSS feed, which gives
anyone the ability to download the latest
issue’s top stories to their iPhones or
other smart phones.
In addition to news from the print
edition of The Pine Needle, the Web
site offers podcasts by Electronic News
Editor Dustin Porter, a freshman studying
mass communication from Lumberton,
N.C., and video news packages by Web
Video Editor Charles Grant Merritt, a
junior mass communication major from
Whiteville, N.C. There is also a Facebook
page and a Twitter stream.
The Pine Needle print edition
earned two honorable mention awards:
Editor-in-Chief Wade Allen, a senior
mass communication major from
Rutherfordton, N.C., for news writing;
and Layout Editor Kaleh Myers, a junior
mass communication major from
Lumberton, N.C. for design.
The American Scholastic Press
Association’s judges called The
Indianhead “an outstanding overall
example of a scholastic publication in
format, content, and presentation.”
Other categories included creativity,
photography and page design.
In his third year working on the
yearbook, David Torres II, a digital art
major, was the editor. He was excited to
hear the news.
“My reaction to winning the award
was beyond shock,” Torres said. “I was
really excited because not only has
the yearbook been such a success to
myself and the entire staff but also the
University.”
The Indianhead had perfect marks for
“content presentation” and “publication
structure.”
“The yearbook, thanks to the entire
staff and our advisor, was very colorful,
structured and couldn’t have been put
together any other way,” Torres said.
For faculty advisor Sara Oswald, the
2009 edition was her 20th yearbook. She
was pleased with the edition and with the
award.
“David is a talented artist and did
some nice digital art work,” Oswald said.
“I appreciated all the work and creativity
that David and his staff put into this book,
and now others appreciate it too.
With the 2010 edition well underway,
Oswald took a moment to reflect.
“We will enter both competitions
again next year,” she said. “I was pleased
with the scores and input we received.
“It was a high quality yearbook,”
Oswald concluded. “This award was well
deserved.”
“It was hard work, but a great
experience,” Editor Torres said.
“Staff put together the yearbook in less
than seven months, and it is not easy,” he
said. “It requires endless phone calls, late
nights, interviews, pictures, emails and,
of course, walking all over campus to get
it all done.
“To know that we received the 2009
American Scholastic Press Association’s
first place award with special merit made
it all worth it,” he concluded.
University News
Indianhead staff 2008-09
First row from left: Chantel
Moore, Keith Townsend,
Tomika Brooks, Sara Oswald,
Sabrina Godwin and Danielle
Powers; middle row from
left; Tiffany Schmidt, Jordan
Pittman, Brittany Burt,
Kimberly Swindell, Kayloni
Wyatt and Octavia Hill; top
row from left: David Torres II
and Paela Pani
18 UNCP Today Summer 2010
Elizabeth W. Maisonpierre,
a member of the Music
Department faculty, was
awarded the 2010 UNC
Board of Governors Award for
Teaching Excellence.
A medallion
representing the award was
presented during Spring
Commencement by Dr.
Cheryl Marvileane Locklear
’75, a member of the Board of
Governors.
Dr. Maisonpierre joined
the faculty in 1985 and
teaches music theory and piano. To celebrate teaching on UNC’s
campuses, the board selects 17 of the most outstanding faculty to
receive the annual award.
As the recipient of UNC’s top teaching award, Dr. Maisonpierre
is humbled. It is the 16th annual award, and the first time it has
gone to a member of the Music Department.
“I am honored to be the recipient,” she said.
What stands out about Dr. Maisonpierre, her colleagues say, is
her boundless enthusiasm for teaching music and playing piano.
“I’ll never lose my enthusiasm for teaching or playing,” she
said.
Colleagues offered praise for the performer and the teacher.
Dr. Mark Canada, professor and chair of the English and Theatre
Department, recently observed one of her classes.
“Anyone who has heard her play the piano knows of Dr.
Maisonpierre’s mastery of her art,” Dr. Canada said. “This
opportunity showed me that she was not only a fine pianist, but a
brilliant teacher.”
Dr. Maisonpierre’s students also have been effusive in their
praise of her teaching, including former student Tommy Cox.
Online Pioneer Elected to School Board
Dr. Irene Aiken ’93, associate dean of the School
of Graduate Studies, was elected to the Richmond
County School Board. In June, the 20-year
education professional and self-professed political
novice, was sworn into office and will serve a
four-year term. Dr. Aiken earned a master’s degree
in education from UNCP and a Ph.D. from UNC-Chapel
Hill. She joined the faculty in 1994 and has
had a varied and distinguished career that includes
pioneering online teaching.
“Dr. Maisonpierre is an exceptional communicator and a
gifted teacher,” Cox said. “She is a highly motivated professional
who knows how to motivate her students to strive for excellence
both in the lecture hall and in person.”
Former student Maren Walter concurred.
“Dr. Maisonpierre created a feeling of community and
encouragement among students in her classes and those of us
who made up the piano department,” Walter said. “Her love of
people, optimism and enthusiasm were infectious during daily
interactions with her and during classes.”
Music theory and piano performance are demanding and
complex subjects to teach or learn, and Dr. Maisonpierre has a
special affinity for the rigors of the discipline. Mathematics was
her first love, she said.
“I believe that the most important thing I can do as a teacher
is to give my students a firm foundation upon which to build,”
she said. “I think this is especially true in the field of music, and
specifically in the two areas on which I am currently focused –
piano and music theory.
“If students understand every step of the process, they
will be successful and then they can take the next step,” Dr.
Maisonpierre continued. “There is a connection or sequence that
demands step-by-step learning.
“I’ve believed this since I began teaching Kindermusik and
Suzuki piano to very young students,” she said. “As a teacher,
I sometimes feel like a detective learning which step a student
missed.”
In piano performance, Dr. Maisonpierre’s theory of teaching
and learning is similar.
“Often students learn to play a piece, and it may be a
beautiful piece that they have played over and over,” she said.
“There is no guarantee they can transfer what they learned to
another piece.
“We are not teaching them to play a piece but to play
classical music,” Dr. Maisonpierre said. “We are teaching them
Dr. Elizabeth Maisonpierre wins Award for Teaching Excellence
Faculty & Staff
Faculty Awards Banquet
At the 2009-10 Faculty Awards Banquet on May
7, the following awards were announced. Pictured
from left: the Adolph L. Dial Award for Research
and Creativity winners
Dr. Mario Paparozzi (Sociology & Criminal Justice)
with Dr. Martin Slann (Arts & Sciences), accepting
the award; and Janette Hopper (Art);
UNCP Teaching Awards Dr. Jeffrey Lucas (History);
Dr. Scott Hicks (English); Dr. Ryan Anderson
(History); and Dr. Kevin Freeman (Political
Science); and Dr. Eric Dent (Business), finalist in
the UNC Board of Governors Service Award.
to do music - to read it and to perform it.
“My philosophy is basically about the importance of
foundations in musical education,” she continued. “The most
important classes I teach are always a student’s first classes.”
When the steps are not taken in sequence, she said “I take the
time to fix it.”
Dr. Maisonpierre’s enthusiasm for music started early, as she
explained with a story of a little girl, age four.
“My father was a college president, and we lived next door
to the music building,” she said. “My mother could watch our
music lessons from the kitchen window. My older siblings were
taking lessons, and I desperately wanted to be like them.
“My mother sent a snack with my sister who had a lesson
before mine, so my teacher and I always sat down to cookies and
milk first. It was such a good experience. I just couldn’t wait to go
each week,” she said. “Taking piano lessons was such a privilege
and so much fun,” Dr. Maisonpierre said. “I want my students to
feel the same way.”
In this year’s recipient of the Award for Teaching Excellence,
that kind of enthusiasm is infectious.
Dr. Maisonpierre’s enthusiasm for performing also continues.
She performs often as an accompanist, but more often with her
husband, Dr. Jonathan Maisonpierre, also a member of the music
faculty. They have performed hundreds of piano concerts for four
hands.
“My scholarship is researching, practicing and playing,” she
said. “That is how I grow as a performer and teacher.
“We study, read, listen and practice like crazy,” Dr.
Maisonpierre continued. “You grow with each piece, and it takes
a long time to do that because you have to know each piece on
so many levels.”
Dr. Maisonpierre earned a Master of Music degree from the
University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Music degree from
Ohio Wesleyan. She also studied at the Eastman School of Music.
Drs. Elizabeth and Jonathan Maisonpierre earned their Doctor of
Musical Arts degrees from the University of Maryland. Their joint
dissertation was titled “Twenty-three Sonatas or Sonata-Related
Works Written in the Twentieth Century for Piano, Four Hands.”
A stint with the N.C. Artist in Residence program led to
positions at UNCP. In the years since, Dr. Maisonpierre has not
lost her enthusiasm for the faculty evaluation model of teaching,
service and scholarship.
“When I perform, I am doing all three at once,” she said. “I
teach through performance, and some of my best teaching comes
through well-performed pieces.”
When the Drs. Maisonpierre perform, they are ambassadors,
role models and recruiters for their University. Their enthusiasm
has enriched their students’ experience and their University.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 19
Faculty & Staff
20 Summer 2010
Beekeeping project looks into troubled hives
University scientists peered into their new beehives for the
first time on May 3 to check their health.
Dr. Charles Harrington, a veteran beekeeper and member
of the business school faculty, declared the four hives, located
in COMtech Park near the University’s Sartorius Stedim
Biotechnology Center, to be “very healthy and active.”
The hives are the first of several dozen planned by the UNCP
Honey Bee Center that will fan out across the region, said Dr. Len
Holmes, a biotechnology researcher.
“Bees in North America are under a lot of stress for reasons
we don’t completely understand,” Dr. Holmes said. “We are
working with local beekeepers in hopes of promoting beekeeping
and to do research on bees.”
A sample of spring honey offered a taste of good things to
come. As a group of interested hive owners looked on, Dr.
Harrington examined the hives after applying smoke to calm
them.
“I got interested in beekeeping through my grandfather,” Dr.
Harrington said. “I see heavy pollen flow and bees working the
combs nicely.”
An October harvest is planned if all goes well, he said.
“The queen is healthy and rapidly turning over her brood,” Dr.
Harrington said. “I estimate between 12,500 and 15,000 bees in
this hive.”
Looking on was Forrest Malcolm, son of Joshua Malcolm,
UNCP’s attorney.
“Forrest has raised everything from dogs and turtles to fruits
and vegetables,” his father said. “We thought this would be very
interesting.”
Megan Locklear was taking notes. She is a student at Robeson
Community College who will attend UNCP in the fall.
“I am working with Dr. Holmes on this project, and I hope
to continue doing research in the fall,” Locklear said. “I want to
major in biology.”
Dr. David Oxendine, a faculty member in the School of
Education, was on hand, too.
“I want to put a hive at my home in Union Chapel,” Dr.
Oxendine said. “I have always wanted to do this.”
Dr. Holmes said the panel he picked up weighed about 10
pounds, a good sign of a productive hive. “Loaded with honey,”
he said.
Dr. Holmes and his student research team will study the hives
with an eye for problems.
“We’ll conduct basic research on the biological and
environmental agents that negatively influence bees,” Dr. Holmes
said. “We’ll promote beekeeping as a hobby and collect data
on hive locations to share with regional and state beekeeping
associations.”
UNCP hopes to become a resource for beekeeping in this
agricultural region and preserve the pollinators to build a stronger
economy.
The project is funded in part by a grant from the Robeson
County Farm Bureau and in cooperation with COMtech,
a regional business incubator located in Robeson County.
UNCP’s project is a member of the N.C. Honey Bee Research
Consortium.
UNCP geologists will bore into Carolina bays past
By pinpointing the date of their creation, geologist Dr. Lee
Phillips will help solve the “mystery” of Carolina bays.
A $25,000, two-year, NASA grant through North Carolina’s
Space Grant Consortium will aid his research.
“The mystery of the bays’ origins is a bit overdone,” Dr.
Phillips said. “We will take core samples to learn how old they
are.”
The project – “Carolina Bays: A Paleo-climatic Perspective”
– will engage undergraduates in a scientific investigation with
“potentially global significance,” Dr. Phillips said.
From preliminary surveys that Dr. Phillips and an
undergraduate student have already performed, two poster
presentations have resulted, one at a joint meeting of the
Geological Society of America. That poster, by environmental
science major Sidney Post, was titled “Delineation of Spatial
Variances of Carolina Bays within Robeson County, N.C.”
Bees, Bays and Biochar
UNCP Today
Faculty & Staff
Drs. Harrington, left, and Holmes examine the health of the hive.
“The next step will be a test project to see how this study can
be expanded,” Dr. Phillips said. “During the process, we’ve met
many other bay researchers, and it has peaked the interest of
other scientists.”
The UNCP team will drill 20-30 foot holes in Carolina bays
in five counties around Robeson. They have hundreds to choose
from because the bays – oval depressions – dot the landscape
from New Jersey to Florida.
“There are no studies like this in North Carolina,” Dr. Phillips
said. “Studies in Georgia and South Carolina indicate the bays
are about 100,000 years old.”
“We’re excited because this project deals with North
Carolina’s landscape and how the coastal plain has changed over
the last 100,000 years,” he continued. “It gives us an idea about
what went on here in the recent past, geologically speaking.”
With apologies to those who theorize that aliens or asteroids
formed the bays, Dr. Phillips’ team will learn more about how
wind and waves shaped the landscape, probably during the
Glacial Maxima period and the later interglacial period.
“I cannot predict exactly how old the bays are, but we will get
a good idea,” he said.
The research team will use a process called “optically
stimulated luminescence,” which measures the solar radiation of
quartzite rock.
“What that means is the sun’s radiant energy excited certain
elements in rock,” he explained. “When that radiation stopped,
we have a ticking clock for measurement.”
The UNCP team will be the first to read this clock in North
Carolina.
“I am very excited for the students,” Dr. Phillips said. “The
grant will help us promote teamwork, confidence and hands-on
training with state-of-the-art scientific equipment.”
One last mystery that Dr. Phillips revealed: Carolina bays are
not named for the Carolinas, where most of them occur, but the
Carolina bay tree that populates the bays.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 21
UNCP begins producing biochar for soil research
The first successful batch of biochar or charcoal produced
at the University will push soil and plant research another step
forward.
On the far north end of campus this spring, Dr. Deborah
Hanmer, a biology professor and plant pathologist, and an
undergraduate researcher hovered around a 55-gallon barrel to
produce biochar.
On Earth Day, Dr. Hanmer cracked open the 30-gallon
interior chamber to find almost perfect charcoal.
Biochar was discovered in the soil of pre-Columbian people
in South America and dubbed “Terra Preta” by Europeans. The
soil demonstrated some remarkable characteristics including the
retention of nutrients after 1,000 years.
Research began two years ago when Dr. Hanmer began
purchasing biochar.
“Using different amounts of biochar, we tested to see how
soil would resist common plant disease,” Dr. Hanmer said. “The
biochar we will make here will be used in a pesticide and a
nematode study.”
Biochar is produced through the pyrolysis of biomass,
or in this case, the heating of wood in a nearly oxygen-free
environment. Sequestering carbon in biochar has peaked
scientists’ interest in this age of global warming research.
UNCP’s biochar production was made possible by a
contribution of materials, labor and consulting from Flow Farms
of Aberdeen, N.C.
“This method only takes about two to two-and-a-half hours to
produce biochar,” said a representative who works at Flow Farms.
“We are learning how to use it in our gardens to produce organic
and vegan vegetables.”
Dr. Hanmer’s collaboration with Flow Farms came about
through the North Carolina Farm Center for Innovations and
Sustainability, headquartered in Fayetteville, N.C.
“Biochar is beautiful,” Dr. Hanmer said, breaking a piece in
her hands. “You can see the entire structure of the wood.
“These tiny holes are critical to retaining nutrients,” she said.
“We want to see what else it retains, like insecticide.
“We hope to learn more about the qualities of biochar in the
soil,” Dr. Hanmer said. “Our students will learn science and have
publishable results.”
Faculty & Staff
Dr. Hanmer, right, with students in the greenhouse.
Dr. Phillips, right, with students at the beach.
Faculty & Staff Faculty & Staff: In Memoriam
Dr. William Gash,
associate vice chancellor for
Academic Affairs, was named
interim provost and vice
chancellor on April 5.
Former Chancellor
Charles Jenkins made
the announcement. In
a University-wide town
hall meeting on April 28,
Chancellor Kyle R. Carter
said UNCP will have a new
academic chief by February
2011.
In stepping down from the
provost post, Dr. Charles Harrington said he will return to the
School of Business faculty.
“We are indeed fortunate to have someone with the
background and experience of Dr. Bill Gash willing to accept the
responsibilities and duties of provost and vice chancellor on an
interim basis,” former Chancellor Jenkins said.
Chancellor Carter outlined his plan to form a search
committee. He spoke in front of a gathering of approximately
200 faculty, staff and students and said groundwork to form a
search committee will be laid this summer.
Dr. Carter is familiar with the provost position. He rose
through the faculty ranks to the position of provost at Central
Missouri and then served as provost for Western Carolina, where
he served before coming to Pembroke.
“Provost is a very important position whose role is to advance
the academic mission of the University,” he said. “The provost is
first among equals who will support and collaborate with the vice
chancellors to promote the entire institution.”
A provost should be visible, embrace diversity, nurture the
University’s core values, work with alumni and the foundation
and, most importantly, serve as the academic leader, Chancellor
Carter said. He said he was looking for a proven leader, perhaps
someone with prior experience as a provost.
“This person should be someone who matches my style and
works well with all the vice chancellors,” he said.
A broad-based search committee will be formed by the start
of the fall semester. It will include faculty, staff and community
members. It will be an “open search.”
Dr. Gash has served in the Office of Academic Affairs for 18
years. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina, a
Master of Business Administration degree from Western Carolina
University, a Master’s of Music Education degree from Florida
State University, a Bachelor’s of Music Education degree from
Maryville College and a Bachelor of Science degree from UNC
Asheville.
Dr. Gash said, “I’m honored to serve as interim provost and
work with faculty, students and staff during this time.”
Dr. William Gash named interim provost;
search to begin for full-time academic chief
22 UNCP Today Summer 2010
Loren L. Butler II
Tecumseh Brayboy
In the last edition
of UNCP Today, the
following information was
unintentionally omitted from
Tecumseh Brayboy’s memorial
on page 11. We regret the
error and are pleased to share
the omitted information below.
Tecumseh Brayboy ‘64 was
founder and pastor of Walnut
Grove Baptist Church in
Arcola, N.C., from September
11, 1982, until his death on
December 9, 2009.
In addition to his brothers and sisters listed in the last
UNCP Today edition, Brayboy is survived by his wife of 43
years, Barbara (Lynch) Brayboy ‘65, and three daughters:
Jennifer (Eric) Brayboy Locklear, Heather (Johnathan)
Brayboy Hedgepeth, and Natalie. He leaves four adorable
grandchildren to cherish his memories: Elan and Mary-
Riley Locklear and Lydia and Andrew Hedgepeth. He is also
survived by his mother, Eva Harris Brayboy. Brayboy’s wife,
daughters and sons-in-law are UNCP graduates.
Loren L. Butler II, a retired
history professor, died on
January 16. He was born on
Oct. 25, 1925, in Sheridan,
Ark. A longtime Lumberton,
N.C. resident, he passed away
in Glenflora Nursing Home.
Butler joined UNCP’s
faculty in 1966 and retired in
1994. He earned his Bachelor
of Arts and Master of Arts
degrees from the University of
Arkansas and worked towards
a doctorate in Byzantine
history at the University of South Carolina.
In 1980, he was awarded a grant from the National
Endowment of Humanities to study in Athens, Greece.
He was a World War II veteran and a reenactor of several
eras including the Highland Scots of the Revolutionary War
period, the Civil War and both World Wars. He was known
for his handlebar mustache and his dark maroon, 1940
Packard automobile.
Butler was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years,
Mary Lou Meacham Butler, and is survived by a daughter,
Lorell Augusta Victoria Butler, of Chicago, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be
made to the Loren L. Butler II History Scholarship Award at
UNC Pembroke.
When he enrolled at Pembroke State
College after World War II, Tom Oxendine
’48 wore a flight jacket and the distinction of
being the first American Indian Navy pilot.
He had already earned the Distinguished
Flying Cross.
A Pembroke native, Oxendine died on
Thursday, May 27, at his home in Arlington,
Va. He was born on December 23, 1922, the son of the late Thomas H.
Oxendine and Georgia Rae Maynor Oxendine.
Oxendine is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Moody
Oxendine; two sons, Thomas of Lexington, Va., and Robert of Tampa,
Fla.; four brothers, Robert of Lyman, S.C., Louis of Pembroke, (Chancellor
Emeritus) Joe of Pinehurst, N.C, and Ray of Maxton, N.C.; two sisters,
Magnolia Lowry of Pembroke and Ruth Hurnevich of Hazel Park, Mich. He
was preceded in death by a son, William, and a brother, Earl Hughes.
Oxendine joined the U.S. Naval Air Corps in January 1942 and
completed flight school. Before enlisting, he had learned to fly in
Lumberton, N.C., at Horace Barnes’ flying school.
As a navy pilot, Oxendine took part in 33 battles during WW II and
received numerous awards and medals. On July 26, 1944, he defied radio
communications and landed his seaplane under Japanese gunfire and in
adverse weather to rescue a downed airman. For this, Oxendine received
the Distinguished Flying Cross.
In college, Oxendine stood out as a three-sport star and played on the
heralded football teams. After graduation, Oxendine returned to serve in the
jet age as a fighter pilot and flight instructor in the Korean and Vietnamese
wars.
During his Navy career, he test piloted a carrier aircraft and was a
combat flight instructor for the supersonic F8V Crusader. While stationed
on the U.S.S. Midway, Tom recorded 177 landings at sea.
Oxendine retired from the military after 29 years and became chief
of public affairs for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C.,
a position he held for 16 years. For the past 15 years he served as a
consultant for American Indians and Alaska Natives with the EOP Group.
Despite never gaining the same attention as the Tuskegee airmen,
Oxendine earned many honors. He was the University’s first “Distinguished
Alumnus” in 1967 and was inducted with the first class in the Athletic Hall
of Fame in 1980.
He is cited in the textbook “North Carolina: Social Studies for a
Changing World.” Published by McGraw Hill in 1993, the text was
required reading for fourth grade students in North Carolina.
In 2003, he was recognized by the North Carolina Museum of History
as one of the state’s “Pioneers in Aviation.”
At home, he was a hero, and in the 1950s and 60s, Oxendine made
flyovers of the Town of Pembroke in Navy jets. It was a signal to young
Lumbees that the sky is the limit.
Through the years, Oxendine was a frequent visitor to Pembroke and
UNCP. He attended homecoming activities in 2009.
Memorials may be made to the American Indian, ROTC, football,
basketball or baseball scholarships at the University.
Bertha Lowry Pinchbeck, 92, passed away on
May 28 in her home in Pembroke surrounded by
her family, friends and caregivers.
She was the daughter of the late William
Henry and Crossie Maynor Lowry. Pinchbeck
was married to the late Walter J. Pinchbeck,
UNCP’s long-time superintendent of buildings
and grounds.
The Pinchbecks had six children, four of
whom were born on UNCP’s campus. She was
a mother figure to hundreds of college students
and Boy Scouts in her husband’s Troop 327.
Walter Pinchbeck, a Cree Indian, was a
national figure in Boy Scouting. In 2004, UNCP
put his name on the new Walter J. Pinchbeck
Maintenance Building.
In 2007, Bertha Pinchbeck was affectionately
named “The Mother of Boy Scouting for the
Pembroke Boy Scout Troop 327.”
Pinchbeck was preceded in death by her
husband; two sons, William Henry “Buddy”
Pinchbeck and Francis Pinchbeck; a grandson,
Mark Schrader, and a daughter-in-law, Sylvia
Pinchbeck. Three siblings preceded her: Lockie
Lowry Deese, Seavie Lowry and James Lee
Lowry.
Pinchbeck is survived by a son, Walter
Pinchbeck Jr. of Louisville, Ky., three daughters,
Mary Alice Teets ’58, and husband, Edward, both
of Pembroke; Sandra Bond and husband William
Richard, both of Titusville, Fla., and Helena
Williams and husband Ron, both of Beaufort,
S.C. She has 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Boy Scout Troop
327 of Pembroke.
Alumni: In Memoriam
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 23
Distinguished Alumnus Tom
Oxendine passed away on
May 27
Long-time
University
figure,
Bertha
Pinchbeck,
died
May 28
Athletics
Women’s Basketball
Junior basketball player JaToya Kemp led the Peach Belt Conference (PBC)
in scoring (18.1 point per game) and field goal percentage (.631). She was
elected to the all-conference team. Kemp has 972 career points and is poised
to finish her career as one of the all-time leading scorers in school history.
“I would like to congratulate JaToya on her outstanding accomplishments
this season, the honors she has received are truly deserved,” said coach John
Haskins.
“JaToya is an outstanding team player,” coach Haskins continued. “She
plays extremely hard, is very competitive and will do anything she can to help
her team be successful.”
Men’s Basketball
Shahmel Brackett was selected the PBC
Freshman of the Year. Brackett scored 14.5
points per game and led the Braves in scoring
in 12 games, including a season high 29 points
against Francis Marion.
Brackett is coached by Ben Miller, who
finished up his second season at UNCP.
“Congratulations to Shahmel on a great
freshman season and being named freshman
of the year,” coach Miller said. “Shahmel has
unusual talent and skill but also possesses a
passion for the game and desire to improve.
“He has also been a great teammate and
representative of UNCP,” he continued. “I
think we will all enjoy watching him grow and
develop as a student-athlete over the next few
years.”
UNCP athletes shined during winter and spring competition
24 UNCP Today Summer 2010 Athletics
Wrestling
Under coach Jamie Gibbs, UNCP wrestling finished
the season ranked in the top 25 nationally. Four wrestlers
competed in the NCAAs in Omaha, Neb. Two earned all-
American honors: Russell Weakley, a junior who competes at
125 pounds and Michael Williams, a freshman at 157 pounds.
“Weakley is fun to watch,” coach Gibbs said. “He’s a
brawler and very physical. He led the team in wins and pins.
“He’s a solid student and a good guy,” he continued. “Russ
helped out with our youth club.
“Williams is Weakley’s opposite,” Gibbs said. “He’s
naturally gifted and extremely athletic.
“A good student and a special young man, he had to
overcome knee surgery in the first semester,” he continued.
“Michael ended up strong and was the most outstanding
wrestler in the regionals.”
Golf
Coach David Synan was selected PBC Women’s Coach of
the Year. Katja Dammann, a junior from Pinehurst, N.C., senior
Christina Crovetti and freshman Shauna Walor were selected
all-conference. Walor was selected PBC Freshman of the Year,
and is the first player in UNCP history to receive the award in
women’s golf.
On the men’s side, sophomore Jordan Walor was selected
all-conference and is the first Brave to win the PBC Golf
Championship. Shauna and Jordan are brother and sister.
“Mentally, Jordan is a very strong golfer,” coach Synan said.
“He does not worry much about mechanics, but focuses on
what he is trying to do with the ball.
“Jordan is a nice young man to have as a part of the UNCP
golf family,” said coach Synan. “He is a great example of
what I strive to recruit - a good student, a good person and an
outstanding athlete.”
UNCP Football Schedule
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 25
September 4 FAYETTEVILLE STATE
6 pm (Two Rivers Classic)
September 11 at Saint Paul’s
1 pm
September 18 at Wingate
1:30 pm
September 25 CARSON-NEWMAN
2 pm (Parents Weekend)
October 2 at Glenville State
1 pm
October 9 at Webber International
1 pm
October 16 FAIRMONT STATE
2 pm
October 23 at Winston-Salem State
2 pm
October 30 CONCORD
2 pm (Homecoming)
November 6 NORTH GREENVILLE
2 pm
2010
Matt McGovern
Seth Kivett
Athletics
Track and Field
At the NCAA Division II Southeast Regionals, Karlos Jordan won
the 100- and 200-meter races and ran a leg in the winning 4x100 relay
team to lead the men’s track team to a fourth place finish.
It was a strong team performance with David Lynn finishing 1st in
the hammer throw and 5th in the javelin, Darel Crook, 5th in the high
jump; Daniel Yeakley, 4th in the 10,000 meter run; Greg Byrd, 5th in
the 400 meter; Jon Williams, 2nd, Darius Brantley, 3rd and Cedrick
Wilson, 4th in the 800 meters; A.J. Davis, 1st in the discus; and Zack
Bayless, 2nd in the 5,000 meters.
Earlier in the year, Maurice Eubanks had a 100-meter personal best
of 10.51 at the UNC Charlotte Invitational.
Coach Larry Rodgers said both Eubanks and Jordan had outstanding
spring seasons along with Pardon Ndhlovu, who won at 5,000 meters
in the Duke Twilight Invitational. David Lynn finished 4th in the shot
put at Duke.
The women also finished strong with 4th place in the regional
meet. Kye Tennyson won the high jump, Nicole Hill was 4th in the
hammer and Katherine Davis was 5th in the javelin.
Davis had a school record throw of 46.24 meters in the hammer
at the Duke meet and Jessica McDowell finished 3rd in the 100 meter
hurdles and 4th in the 400 meter hurdles.
“With only one senior on either squad, we should be very strong
next year,” Rodgers said.
Baseball
The 32-member PBC All-Conference Baseball Team included four
Braves. The team was ranked 22nd nationally at the end of the regular
season with a 34-13 record.
Pitcher Matt McGovern and infielder Seth Kivett earned all-league
honors for the second year, while relief pitcher Brian Willis and
outfielder Kenny Mickens made the team for the first time.
McGovern is 18-2 over two seasons. Kivett batted .362 with
eight home runs. Willis had 10 saves and a 1.66 earned run average.
Mickens led the team in hitting with a .395 average and nine home
runs.
UNCP athletes shined during winter and spring competition
26 UNCP Today Summer 2010 Athletics
Softball
The softball team posted a 29-19 record. Jelena Shaw, a senior
third baseman, was selected as PBC Player of the Year and first
team all-American. It was the first time in school history a Lady
Brave softball player received the honor. Shaw holds six career
softball records and led the conference in hitting this season with
an average of .441. Coach Lacinda Melanson is in her second
year.
“There is not enough time or space to describe the positive
impact and leadership Jelena has provided for this team all four
years,” coach Melanson said. “She is the hardest working and
most humble athlete I have ever coached.
“She is blessed athletically with tons of speed, power and
quick reaction time; when you add her work ethic there is
no stopping her,” she continued. “There is no doubt that she
deserves every award she has received this year. Off the field,
she held above a 3.0 cumulative GPA and is involved with the
student advisory committee. She is leaving very large shoes to
fill!”
Holly Berry was selected Peach Belt Conference Freshman
of the Year in softball. Berry plays shortstop and batted .423 for
the season along with ranking third in the conference in hits and
fourth in RBIs.
“Holly has come on stronger than anticipated as a true
freshman this year,” coach Melanson said. “We are very proud
of her! She is a great all-around athlete and works hard to stay in
the shape she needs to be in.
“Holly provides power, good speed and a very strong arm,”
she continued. “In the classroom, she has also done very well.
“She is an exciting ball player to have because we know she
is going to continue to improve and mature,” Melanson said.
“We look forward to her becoming a sound leader for us and
anticipate better seasons each year she is here.”
A third member of the softball team, junior Loren Bartz, was
selected to the all-conference team.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 27
Holly Berry
Jelena Shaw
28 UNCP Today Summer 2010
Friends, teammates establish scholarship honoring Joe Gallagher, an all-time great
Advancement
Joe Gallagher continues to value the friends he’s made over
the years playing and coaching basketball.
On March 23, some of his basketball family established
the Joe Gallagher Basketball Scholarship for the University’s
basketball program, where he played and coached.
Gallagher ‘68, still holds the University’s career scoring
record. For the lanky ex-Marine, it’s not about records.
“The records are inconsequential, and I hope they are all
broken,” he said. “What’s important are the friends you make on
the way.
“I want to thank you
guys for this,” Gallagher
said. “As teammates, we
liked each other from
the start, and we still get
along.
“This is a great thing
for Pembroke, a University
I support wherever I go,”
he continued. “This was a
great University when we
were here, and it’s a great
University now.”
Wiley Barrett, a college
teammate from Pinehurst,
N.C., led the scholarship
effort.
“Joe was in the Marines
before he came to college,
so we were all in awe of
him,” Barrett said. “He
has phone numbers for
everyone he’s met, and he
stays in contact.”
Barry Hopkins, another teammate from Greensboro, N.C.,
talks with Gallagher two or three times a week.
“Joe and I have known each other since 1966 and nobody
thinks more of him than I do,” Hopkins said.
But Hopkins said Gallagher never gave him enough credit as
a basketball player.
“If I hadn’t missed so many shots, he never would have
gotten that rebounding record,” Hopkins said. “I’m glad we’re
doing this in Joe’s honor; he’s been a good friend for a long
time.”
Gallagher’s basketball coaching career began at Maxton High
School with stops at Pembroke, Methodist, Richmond, Belmont
Abbey, UNC Greensboro, Campbell, Boston (Celtics) and
Philadelphia (76ers). He may not be finished yet.
Gallagher lives in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., with his wife, the
former Sharon Skipper, whom he met at UNCP. He still has a fire
burning for the game.
“I’m semi-retired, and I’m looking for an opportunity either
in college or the pros,” he said. “I have a passion for the game; I
miss it.
“When I was playing, basketball was never a job, and when I
was coaching, it was never a job,” Gallagher said.
Basketball has changed considerably since Gallagher
strapped on his first pair of “Chuck Taylors.”
“I study, work and
teach my craft,” he said.
“It didn’t come easy; there
were a lot of bumps along
the way.”
Gallagher returned
to his alma mater on
February 13 for “Joe
Gallagher Night.” Former
Chancellor Charles Jenkins
attended the event.
“Joe Gallagher Night
was one of the greatest
events I have attended at
this University,” former
Chancellor Jenkins
said. “This scholarship
is fantastic for several
reasons.
“We’ve honored a
lot of great players, but
there is very seldom a
scholarship named for
them,” he continued. “This was not initiated by the University,
but by Joe’s friends, classmates and teammates.
“Joe left his legacy on the court, and this is a legacy that
will last forever,” the former chancellor said. “It will make a
difference in the lives of many, many basketball players into the
future.”
Basketball coach Ben Miller said upon arriving in Pembroke,
he learned about Joe Gallagher.
“What you did on the court is still a huge part of what
we’re doing now,” Miller said. “Your legacy is important to our
program today.”
Athletic Director Dan Kenney summed up.
“This scholarship is about loyalty,” Kenney said. “We will
make sure that quality continues through the recipients of this
scholarship.”
To contribute to or endow a scholarship, please contact the Office for Advancement at (910) 521-6252 or email advancement@uncp.edu.
From left: Basketball coach Ben Miller, Wiley Barrett, former Chancellor Jenkins, Joe
Gallagher, Sharon Gallagher, Athletic Director Dan Kenney and Barry Hopkins
Advancement
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 29
University and BB&T officials celebrated the establishment of
its second endowed professorship in the School of Business.
BB&T Corporation of Winston-Salem, N.C., has now
pledged $1 million over 10 years to establish the endowments.
A separate gift of $50,000 will support programs on ethics in
business.
The BB&T Distinguished Endowed Professorship in the
Morality of Capitalism was announced at a luncheon honoring
the bank. The BB&T Distinguished Endowed Professorship in the
Philosophical Foundations of Free Enterprise was established in
2007.
The School of Business held forums in 2009 on business
ethics and the philosophical foundations of capitalism. A new
course, “Ethics in Capitalism,” was launched in January 2010.
The event highlighted the historic and ongoing ties between
BB&T, the 10th largest U.S. bank holding company, and UNCP.
The guest speaker was BB&T employee Maggie Wojtowicz ’09, a
current MBA candidate.
“When I look around me at the office, I see so many UNCP
graduates and students,” Wojtowicz said. “I appreciate BB&T’s
leadership in the community and for allowing students like me
to put theory into practice.
“BB&T plays a great role in the lives of students like me,” she
said.
As a student, Wojtowicz worked part-time with BB&T and
has been promoted to supervisor as a full-time employee. She
said she has learned more than business on the job.
“As a student we learned the moral lessons of business,”
Wojtowicz said. “BB&T is an example of a mission-driven
business.”
Former Chancellor Charles Jenkins called it a “wonderful
gift.” He noted that BB&T’s strong core principles are a beacon
of light amidst recent turmoil in the financial markets.
“The values that BB&T inculcates into its business
relationships are a model for our students,” former Chancellor
Jenkins said. “When I teach a class in applied ethics in school
leadership, I often quote John Allison (former BB&T chief
executive officer).
“The number one crisis in our nation is not a financial one,
but one of ethics,” he said.
Senior Vice President and Lumberton City Executive James
Gore echoed the bank’s mission statement and praised UNCP’s
role.
“At BB&T, we have a strong commitment to improving our
communities,” Gore said. “Our mission has never wavered and
never changed.
“It is a distinct advantage to have a UNC university in our
community,” he continued. “UNCP is a vital part of higher
education in the state and in the region, and a very important
part of the economy of this county.”
As BB&T’s CEO, Allison lectured at UNCP and earned a
wider reputation during the recent financial downturn for his
highly principled leadership.
Dr. Eric Dent was dean of the School of Business when the
first endowed professorship was established.
“Our School of Business has held up BB&T as a success
story,” Dr. Dent said. “They have demonstrated good moral and
ethical business practices and have avoided the pitfalls that
befell so many other financial institutions.
“How will the next generation acquire these values when
many universities have not taken up the cause of moral and
ethical training?” he asked. “This gift will mold our students to
become better students, better employees and better citizens.
“John Allison was pleased with UNCP’s activities thus far,
which built confidence that another donation to our campus
would be spent wisely,” he concluded.
The gift will be made over 10 years and will be matched by
the North Carolina General Assembly’s Distinguished Professors
Endowment Trust Fund. As an endowment, the gift will fund the
professorship perpetually.
BB&T Corporation and its subsidiaries offer full-service
commercial and retail banking and additional financial services
such as insurance, investments, retail brokerage, mortgage,
corporate finance, consumer finance, payment services,
international banking, leasing and trust.
BB&T operates more than 1,800 financial centers in 13 states
and Washington, D.C. With $165.3 billion in assets, it is the
nation’s 10th largest financial holding company.
The bank has historic roots in Eastern North Carolina.
BB&T was founded in Wilson in 1872, and in 1995, it merged
with like-sized Southern National Corp., a bank founded in
Lumberton, N.C.
UNCP celebrates BB&T’s second endowed professorship in business
To contribute to or endow a scholarship, please contact the Office for Advancement at (910) 521-6252 or email advancement@uncp.edu.
One of the great high school coaches in North Carolina
history was honored on February 24 in the Jones Athletic Center.
More than 100 friends, family and fellow coaches turned out
to honor A.G. ‘Tunney’ Brooks at a reception and ceremony in
the Native Angels Home Care & Hospice Braves Club Room of
the English E. Jones Athletic Center. He was a coach and athletic
director at Lumberton High School for 31 years.
The Lumberton
Booster Club and
Coach Brooks’
friends contributed
$100,000 to
an endowed or
permanent athletic
scholarship in his
name. It is the largest
athletic scholarship
at UNCP.
“I love every one
of you,” Brooks said
during the ceremony.
“I love everything
you’re doing to help
UNC Pembroke and
Lumberton High
School. I love you
all.
“Thank you
for all you did for
me when I came
to Lumberton,” he
continued. “I came
here to teach, but I
learned more from
you.
“I thoroughly enjoyed coaching and teaching,” Brooks said,
lighting up the room. “If I’d known I was going to have to do all
this, I’d have run a few laps to get into better shape.”
Coach Brooks came to Lumberton in 1959. He coached
football and basketball and was athletic director. He instantly
turned around an ailing athletic program and for 31 years steered
the Lumberton Pirates to solid success.
Attending the event were coaches like Findley Read, who
coached with him in Lumberton, and Rockingham High School
coach Bill Eutsler; friends like Charlie Kinlaw, who like Brooks
played at Wake Forest; and players like Nicky Guy, a Shrine Bowl
player, and Paul Willoughby, who played and coached for him.
“Tunney Brooks was the coach that other coaches said got
more from less,” said Paul Willoughby ‘74, who is a UNCP
trustee. “I was fortunate to play three years for him in the late
1960s and then come back to coach Lumberton High School’s
football team under him as athletic director.
“Coach, we love you,” Willoughby said.
Willoughby described Brooks with the terms “trust, stability,
organization and structure.”
The endowment will produce a maximum of four $1,000
scholarships each year with a guarantee that at least two will
be awarded. The scholarship will be open to male and female
student-athletes at the University, who exhibit character, maintain
a 2.5 grade point average and demonstrate financial need.
The scholarship will be first offered to student-athletes from
Lumberton Senior High School then student-athletes from
Robeson County
will be eligible.
If no Robeson
athlete qualifies,
the scholarship will
be available to any
UNCP student-athlete.
“I have been
contacted by people
as far away as Alaska
and California
about giving to this
scholarship,” James
Granger, scholarship
facilitator, told The
Robesonian.
Former
Chancellor Charles
Jenkins coached
against Brooks for
three years while at
Scotland High School.
“In life and sports,
we run into people
all the time who are
legends in their own
mind, but not coach
Brooks,” former Chancellor Jenkins said. “He truly is a legend.
“When I coached against him, we almost never won,” he said.
Dave Bullock, a former player, is making a special tribute to
the coach of a scale “Pirate” ship named in his honor.
“She’s got 30 long guns,” Bullock said. “Coach, she’s deadly.”
Attending the event were Brooks’ wife, Joan; sons, Ritchie
and John; their wives, Carol and Sherry respectively; and five
grandchildren.
Ritchie Brooks spoke for the family.
“The things you did made his career, and the things he
did made you who you are,” Brooks said. “Thank you for this
ceremony and for what you have done for our father and your
coach.”
Athletic Director Dan Kenney said the University will ensure
that the scholarship honors its namesake.
“When we select recipients for this scholarship, we won’t
compromise the values that coach Brooks stood for,” Kenney
said. “Coach, it is a great honor to be in the room with you.”
Endowed scholarship honors coach A.G. ‘Tunney’ Brooks
30 UNCP Today Summer 2010
Advancement
To contribute to or endow a scholarship, please contact the Office for Advancement at (910) 521-6252 or email advancement@uncp.edu.
“I came here to teach,
but I learned more from you.”
- Coach Brooks
Front row from left: Dave Bullock and Tunney Brooks; standing from left, former Chancellor Jenkins,
James Granger, Paul Willoughby, Johnny Strickland, Bruce Mullis and Dan Kenney.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 31
Advancement
Suppor t Our Students
Save the Date August
6th!
SOS Beach Party returns to benefit student scholarships
In the spring of 2009, when UNCP
realized that our endowments had taken
such a hit as a result of the troubled
economy, it was time for us to take action.
We have always prided ourselves in
being a small town University “Where
Learning Gets Personal,” so this was the
perfect time to show it! Thanks to our
guests and sponsors, we were able to raise
enough funds to award 96 scholarships
for the 2009-10 school year. It was such
a success, we are doing it again! The
SOS Beach Party 2010 will take place on
August 6th and will feature some of the
great beach-themed festivities from last
year plus a few new surprises. Visit www.
uncp.edu/advancement/sos/ today for
more information!
After last year’s event, we notified
the scholarship recipients and explained
what had taken place to make their award
possible.
“There are no words to express my
gratitude for allowing me to have this
wonderful helping hand. I will do my best
to make you proud by giving 110% effort
in my studies.”
- Valery Q. (Nursing), San Juan,
Puerto Rico
“This semester has been hard on
me financially and I would like to say
that your contribution has made my life
more at ease. UNCP is truly a special
University.”
– Joshua R. (History), Bladenboro, NC
In addition, we asked for their thoughts
about the origin of the award and how
they feel about UNCP. Below are some of
those responses.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your
help. UNCP is a very good place to meet
new people and develop relationships that
last for a lifetime.”
– Erin D. (Biology), Raleigh, NC
“Thank you. The scholarship has
helped me continue my education that
leads to a brighter future.”
– Roxi G. (Education), Hamlet, NC
“Thanks to everyone who participated.
This money helps in making my education
dream become a reality.”
– Ronald G. (Computer Science),
Meadville, PA S.O.S. Beach Party
Visit www.uncp.edu/advancement/sos for more information and to reserve your table!
Alumni Association
Board of Directors
2009-11
President
Floyd Locklear ‘86
1st Vice President
Sylvia Pate ‘99
2nd Vice President
Renee Steele ‘93
Immediate Past President
Jason Bentzler ‘96
Executive Director
James Bass ‘94, ‘03
Board Members
Willie D. Christian ‘96
Carlton Cole ‘99, ‘07
Mickey Gregory ‘88
Adam Hardin ‘06
Wendy Hedgpeth ‘91
Henry “Hank” Lewis Jr. ‘00
Patricia Locklear ‘98
Rudy Locklear ‘06
Sheila Swift ‘03
Aaron Thomas ‘99
Greetings Alumni,
It’s with great pride that the UNCP Alumni Association
welcomes our new Chancellor Dr. Kyle Carter! We are excited
that he will be part of our University family, and we look
forward to our relationship together. We also want to thank
Dr. Charles Jenkins for his hard work and dedication to the
University during this period of transition. We appreciate your
guidance and leadership.
There is no shortage of excitement on our campus. The
University celebrated its biggest commencement in history on May 8 when the UNCP
Alumni Association welcomed 613 new members into our family. We wish you all the
best as you leave UNCP and move out into the world. We hope you will return often
for visits – and don’t forget, Homecoming is October 30!
Remember to keep in touch. It only takes a few minutes to join the Alumni
Association’s Facebook page, which is linked to our Web site (www.uncp.edu/alumni),
and while you’re there, you can update your contact information and share your latest
news here in UNCP Today. Keeping in contact with your college friends and your alma
mater is the first step in being an active member of your alumni association.
Finally, we want our alumni to come back to campus. Fall is just around the corner,
and we hope you will visit during this vibrant and energy-filled time to experience the
excitement. Check out the incredible 2010-11 season at Givens Performing Arts Center,
tailgate with us during football or just come back to say hi to old friends. We hope to
see you soon!
In keeping the tradition,
Floyd H. Locklear
Floyd H. Locklear ‘86
P.S. In response to budget cuts, the University believes that cutting down to one printed
issue of UNCP Today per year is the responsible thing to do. To make sure you don’t
miss an issue, take a minute to visit www.uncp.edu/advancement/emailupdate/ and
submit your e-mail address.
Class Notes
Alumni may submit new
information about retirements,
births, marriages and job
changes by submitting
information via:
Office of Alumni Relations
P.O. Box 1510
Pembroke, N.C. 28372-1510
tel: 1-800-949-UNCP or
(910) 521-6533
email: alumni@uncp.edu
Web: www.uncp.edu/alumni
Alumni
32 UNCP Today Summer 2010
Alumni Highlights
Three UNCP alumni – all with the rank of major – reunited
at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort
Leavenworth, Kan.
Maj. Ira Baldwin ‘96 is a 26-year military veteran, Maj.
Reggie McClam ’97 has 12 years of service and Maj. Ryan
Foxworth ‘97 has 20 years of service. Baldwin and Foxworth
were commissioned through the University’s ROTC program
and McClam was commissioned through the U.S. Marine Corps
Officer Candidate School.
All are veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation
Enduring Freedom. The trio will take their combined experience
and new training to shape the military of the future.
• After he graduated on June 11, Maj. Baldwin was assigned
to the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry
Division at Camp Casey, Korea.
• Maj. Reggie McClam is assigned with the Marine Corps as a
military aide to the President in the White House.
• Maj. Ryan Foxworth is currently working to complete the
requirements and will graduate in December. After
graduation, Maj. Foxworth plans to serve as an instructor at
the college to develop and shape the field grade officers of
tomorrow.
The Command and General Staff College (USAC&GSC) at Fort
Leavenworth is an Army institution that functions as a graduate
school for the Armed Forces and foreign military leaders. It was
established in 1881 as a school for infantry and cavalry by Gen.
William Tecumseh Sherman. The development of the college
has parallels with the increasing professionalization of the Army,
reaching its present form in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and
the current war on terrorism.
The college educates and develops military and civilian
leaders for full spectrum joint, interagency and multinational
operations; acts as lead agent for the Army’s leadership
development program and advances the art and science of the
profession in support of Army operational requirements.
The Command and General Staff College is a 10-month
course for the intermediate level education of Army and other
service officers. Almost all Army officers who attain the rank of
major attend the school or its branch campuses at Fort Belvoir
and Fort Lee, Va., and Fort Gordon, Ga.
The 2010-11 class has an enrollment of more than 1,100
students, which is its largest class ever. All students are provided
the opportunity to pursue a graduate studies program through
several different universities or the resident School of Advanced
Military Studies, which awards a master’s degree in military
arts and sciences on studies of strategically and operationally
complex issues.
Summer 2010 UNCP Today 33
Three Alumni reunite in the United States
Army
From left to right: Maj. Ira S. Baldwin, Maj. Reggie McClam and
Maj. Ryan Foxworth
Greg Taylor ’03 of Bladen County was named executive
director of the BRAC Regional Task Force (RTF) effective
July 1.
The BRAC RTF is a partnership of governments working
with 11 counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort
Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. Its mission is to coordinate
the planning and identify community impacts as U.S. Forces
Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command move to Fort
Bragg by 2011.
“Greg’s experience as chairman of our board, as a board
member, and as a former county commissioner in Bladen
County will serve him well in his new position,” said Tim
McNeill, BRAC RTF chairman of the board of directors, who
made the appointment.
Taylor will be responsible for the regional planning,
economic development, workforce development and
education programs currently funded by the U.S. Office of
Economic Adjustment (OEA), local governments in the Fort
Bragg region and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Most recently, Taylor served as director of the eight-county
Cape Fear Region of the Small Business and Technology
Development Center (SBTDC) headquartered at Fayetteville
State University. Before that he worked for the SBTDC at
UNCP’s Regional Center for Economic, Community and
Professional Development.
He earned his MBA at UNCP and his bachelor’s degree in
business from Campbell University.
Greg Taylor named BRAC RTF
executive director
Alumni Highlights
The N.C. Community College System State Board approved Richmond Community College Executive Vice President Dr. Dale McInnis ’90 as the next president of the college.
When he took office March 1, he became the seventh president since the college opened in 1964.
A native of Ellerbe, N.C., Dr. McInnis received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from UNCP, a master’s degree in business administration from Campbell University and a doctorate in higher education administration from NC State University.
He began his community college career in 1992 as a business instructor at Montgomery Community College (MCC) in Troy, N.C., and advanced there to become MCC’s vice president of administration. He joined South Piedmont Community College in Polkton, N.C., in 2001 as the vice president of administrative services.
In 2002, he became RCC’s vice president for administration and advanced to become the executive vice president. Although McInnis’ seven years at the college shortened his learning curve on how things operate, he admits he still has a lot to learn.
“I appreciate the history of this college and want to build upon it and look to the future for opportunities that allow us to expand our partnerships with the county commissioners, the public schools, local businesses and industries and with other agencies who work with us and with our students,” he said. “This is where I have always wanted to be.”
Former Chancellor Charles Jenkins, who is a Richmond County native, hailed the outstanding achievement of a UNCP graduate.
“We are very proud that an alumnus of UNC Pembroke has been selected to serve as president of Richmond Community College and wish him the very best,” Dr. Jenkins said. “Dale has a genuine interest in RCC, Richmond and Scotland counties and the entire region and will work hard to serve the needs of the area.
“His commitment to this region is most appreciated, and we at UNCP will work very closely with him and RCC’s faculty and staff,” he continued. “In fact, we have already moved forward on planning a new joint venture in higher education leadership development.”
Dr. Irene Aiken ‘93, associate dean of UNCP’s School of Graduate Studies, was a high school classmate at Richmond County High School.
“Dale and I were friends in high school and college,” Dr. Aiken said. “Richmond Community College is fortunate to have someone with his knowledge and experience.
“His heart is in the right place,” she continued. “He will have a positive impact on the college and our community.”
“Personally, it makes me feel very proud to receive the support and encouragement from people I’ve known for many years and from those whom I have just met. I am thankful for a Board of Trustees who has confidence in me and who will support me. RCC is fortunate to have such an engaged and committed Board,” said McInnis.
Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, community college board chair said, “In approving Dr. McInnis as the new president of Richmond Community College, the state board is pleased to recognize the achievements and leadership of someone who has ‘grown up’ in our system. We look forward to watching how he, his trustees and his faculty and staff shape the future of RCC.”
Dr. Scott Ralls, N.C. Community College System president, said, “Dr. Dale McInnis is an excellent choice for president of Richmond Community College. His history in the community and his experience at the college has laid a strong foundation for his ability to lead RCC to continued success.”
About 28 former baseball players gathered in April. A reception at the new Holiday Inn Express was followed by golf and an afternoon game at Cox Stadium.
“The reunion was everything I had hoped for,” said Geoff Bennett ‘90. “Everyone was happy to see each other.”
“I only played for two years, but those two years transformed my life,” said Alan Wildes ’92. “Doc (coach Danny Davis) had a huge impact on me.”
Bennett said he and Wildes made plans for the reunion early in the year.
“I had not been back since I graduated in 1990, but I had a few contacts already,” he said. “Being in British Columbia didn’t seem to matter, and I soon had a list of 70 from the 1986-90 teams.”
Bennett said he hoped that the spring reunion lead to another reunion at Homecoming.
“It’s important to remember great friends and great times, especially as we get busy raising our own families and building careers,” Bennett said. “The reunion went well and I can’t wait for the next time I see all of my friends again.”
Standing (L-R): Danny Davis, Jeff Nance, Paul Hodges, Rusty Chambers, Casey Roberts, Eric Hudson, Hugh Cannady, Keith Ransom, Andrew Hammonds, Billy Gaskins, Cedric Locklear and Jay Shotwell
Kneeling (L-R): Dwight Donaldson, Ronnie Hobbs, Geoff Bennett, Billy Gover, Rusty Cranson, Rene Choim and Alan Wildes
34
UNCP Today
Summer 2010
McInnis approved as new Richmond Community College president
Doc Davis Era Baseball Alumni Reunite at UNCPGIVING TO UNCP: Stadium Brick Campaign
There are a number of ways to inscribe your name on the UNCP campus. This campaign will raise funds for the
UNCP Football Program. Choose between a 4” x 8” brick for $250 or an 8” x 8” brick for $500 with your name
and message. Leave your legacy at the Grace P. Johnson Football Stadium and support the Braves. The bricks will
be displayed in the Curt & Catherine Locklear Legacy Courtyard outside the stadium. These bricks make a great gift
for parents, students, alumni and friends.
To order your brick, or for more information, please contact the
Alumni Relations Office at (910) 521-6533.
Giving to UNCP: Heritage Society Newsletter Published
UNCP’s Advancement Office proudly announces the release of Circles, a
biannual Heritage Society newsletter whose name is meant to evoke the
symbolism of the circle of life. UNCP’s Heritage Society recognizes donors who
have included the University in their will or estate plan.
Circles focuses on the many ways you can benefit the people and causes you
love through charitable giving. It also introduces planning strategies that fit your
financial goals at any stage of life. Our spring 2010 issue includes a Heritage
Member Spotlight on Gifts of Stock with Louis Oxendine of Pembroke, N.C. in
addition to info